For weeks, President Trump has complained that the impeachment inquiry wasn’t fair – because it’s a “hoax” and because hearings have been held behind closed doors. As of yesterday, he’ll only have one issue to be upset about as the House voted to move the impeachment inquiry forward – and go public.
Televised hearings will highlight the next phase of the process – and word is that they could begin within the next few weeks. As part of that, the Trump administration officials who have been deposed in private sessions will be asked to testify publicly. Transcripts of the depositions are also expected to be publicly released in coming weeks.
Not surprisingly, the vote was clearly drawn along party lines. The Democratic House resolution passed on a vote of 232-196. Similarly, the arguments for and against what’s happening depend largely on your political persuasion. Republicans accuse Democrats of leading an unfair process against President Trump, while Dems argue that no one is above the law, including the President.
What’s the White House say? The White House claims President Trump has done nothing wrong and is being smeared. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham has issued a statement saying there was no quid pro quo in Trump's dealings with Ukraine. She wrote the inquiry is based on triple hearsay and selective leaks behind closed doors. Grisham said it is a “waste of taxpayer money and time.”
Source: New York Times