Washington, D.C. — Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate held a vote on the conviction of President Donald Trump. Despite Democratic and Republican senators voting to convict Trump, who was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, the Senate acquitted the president.
Senators from both sides of the aisle agree that the facts are well established: President Donald Trump abused the power of the presidency to pressure a foreign country to help him smear a top political rival, and then sought to cover it up. Trump’s actions were criminal and violated his oath of office. Any elected official that invites foreign interference into our elections is despicable.
The House fulfilled its constitutional duty and held Trump accountable. He has been impeached for his abuse of power, and no cover-up in the Senate can change that.
Tonight’s vote can be seen as nothing less than Senate Republicans turning their backs on the Constitution and signaling approval of criminal foreign interference in our elections. Let’s be clear: This trial has been a sham perpetuated by the president’s political allies to cover for his misdeeds. The president hasn’t been exonerated; he’s been protected.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202-478-6331.