WASHINGTON — House Democrats say in a brief filed ahead of impeachment trial arguments that President Donald Trump “abandoned his oath to faithfully execute the laws and betrayed his public trust.”The brief Saturday came shortly after the White House sent the Senate a fiery response to its impeachment summons, outlining the defenses it expects to use in the upcoming trial.
Trump’s legal team, led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, is challenging the impeachment on both procedural and constitutional grounds, claiming Trump has been mistreated by House Democrats and that he did nothing wrong. Trump on Friday appointed several nationally known lawyers to the team that will defend him in the proceedings, set to open Tuesday afternoon.
The documents also raised more questions about the surveillance and security of former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. In them, an unidentified individual with a Belgian country code appears to describe Yovanovitch’s movements. Trump on Friday named Ken Starr, the prosecutor whose investigation two decades ago led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, along with former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, to his defense team.
A legal brief from the White House laying out the contours of Trump’s defense was due by noon Monday, and White House attorneys and Trump’s outside legal team have been debating just how political the document should be. Dershowitz sought to play down his role in the case in the hours after he was named to the team, saying he would be present for just about an hour to make the constitutional arguments.White House lawyers succeeded in keeping Trump from adding House Republican lawmakers to the defense team, but they also advised him against tapping Dershowitz, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.
.RepAdamSchiff You once promised Bill Maher you'd accept one of Fox's many invitations to an on-camera interview. That happen yet? You ALL should do regular interviews on Fox so that viewers get both sides.
In what impeachment trial was it NOT addressing the results of a previous election? Had the person being impeached not been elevated to office by an election (i.e., they lost the election), then THEY WOULD NOT BE BEING IMPEACHED! 🙄
How about your header says, THE LYING STABLE GENIUS SAYS....?
Oh, does Hillary take over when Trump is removed?
It’s nothing to do with 2016!
IllegitimatePresident ComplicitCorruptGOP TraitorTrump PutinsPuppets RemoveAndIndict TreasonousTrump
What an ignorant defense tactic. Gaslighting, lies and subterfuge is all they’ve got
ICYMI Impeachment Does Not “ overturn ” the results of the 2016 election. If so we would be able to have the luxury and throw these 2016 ya-hoo senators out that won including VP Mike Pence. It's plain ole Republican hooey!!!
I’d bet this is Trump playing his own attorney through old, empty suits with no energy for the rigors of defense, repeating their client’s opinion to the court to get a check. The laziness shown here is the tell.
These arguments are getting so stupid, why do you even cover them?
When you have no factual defense, whine loudly, repetitively, & long. This strategy is played out, but I guess it’s all GOP has. FactsMatter
REPEAT OF THIS FIRST TERM BECAUSE OF DEMOCRAT TREASON TO OUR PRESIDENT... THEN HAVE A NEW ELECTION IN 2024..!
Bullshit. The only one that thinks trump didn’t win the election is TRUMP himself
Attacking the prosecutor isn’t a defense, and in a trial, that’s not allowed or ethical. The evidence is the centerpiece, not the attorneys presenting it. This is a complete publicity play and nothing more. Weak.
That's funny because it sure seems like Trump is trying desperately to rig the results of the 2020 election...
Just a reminder that AP used to spread Hitler’s propaganda
Mirror-Image Perception, D.T. Is a joke!
When the president is a total crook, it makes it necessary to remove him. Impeachment already made his presidency, illegitimate.
Eathbound420 Trump could be having a perfect presidency but his urges.... This is not the Democrats fault deserved ImpeachAndConvictTrump
Of course they will say that but it’s all they have. Trumps actions along with his buddy Rudy paved the way
Trump's defense team is following orders. I think Trump is behind the 'changing the 2016 election' defense. It's all he's talked about since he got elected. He wants someone to pin a medal on his chest for beating Hillary.
This argument is silly, Constitution allows for it so using this logic any impeachment would be overturning an election! It’s not, it is removing a President who has violated oath of office, PERIOD!
Cry harder team POTUS
🙄
We are at the next election... How are the dems trying to overturn a full term exactly?
It's a fact that the democrats are not only trying to overturn the 2016 election but trying to influence the 2020 election by weaponizing the constitution.
“Overturning an election” would mean removing Trump for no reason and installing Hillary Clinton. Can reporters please fact check this ridliculous R talking point in real time EVERY time?!
Trump defense with dumbest strategy ever
Well yeah, no kidding.
This is a deflection AlanDersh. It does not address the charges against realDonaldTrump and the body of evidence supporting those charges. Your approach is basically an attack on our Constittion, challenging the rights of the people to remove a corrupt executive.
Man getting impeached doesn’t overturn the election you fuckwads.
Last I checked, if he is removed, Pence is POTUS. Last I checked he was on the ticket elected in 2016. Can we get some media push back on this bogus argument? 🤷🏻♀️
They planned this impeachment since day one!!! Sad when they know they can’t win at the polls and try to overthrow the government!!!! It won’t work....
Pretty obvious isn’t it?
So basically: “If Dems hadn’t elected me POTUS, I wouldn’t be doing all this criming! Thanks to electoral college, it’s everyone’s fault realDonaldTrump is a criminal, liar and sabatour of the Constitution for his own personal gain”
And they say Democrats can't get over the 2016 election. Not one Democrat has mentioned overturning the 2016 election, this is purely a case of a person of authority abusing the power they were given for personal gain.
But the laws that realDonaldTrump broke happened in 2019...
Pathetic. And to call it “fiery”, also pathetic.
Does he know that Clinton doesn’t get to be President if the Senate removes him?
Wow. Talk about a partisan perspective. Try again.
Ah. The classic 'It's their fault I committed all these crimes' defense.
Any impeachment is about overturning an election! That is why it is in the Constitution! That’s not a defense 🤷🏻♀️
They have nothing.
Not trying to overturn 2016, just trying to protect 2020. Next argument please.
This is a tired tune. Only stupid people believe this.
And did you push back then and say that the impeachment was not meritless, and hit me with some facts? Oh, ugh. Repeat the lies, repeat the lies...whatever
Typical nonsense when there is no plausible defense of Trumps actions.
What a flimsy excuse for a defense .. think we’ll get many more of them because the facts say he did it, he knew about it and he’s guilty. Only the blind, deaf & dumb could possibly think otherwise..unless you’re the gop.
No, he is impeached for not upholding his oath of office. Overturning the 2016 ejection would have made Hillary Clinton President, this will make Pence president.
Conflating. The same talking point every time he faces law enforcement.
He was not elected to be a king. Just because he was elected President does not mean laws no longer apply to him. What a stupid argument.
That’s the dumbest defense ever. Why would we try to overturn 2016 when we are all voting in just eight months? Truly pathetic defense.
I hope they don’t forget to bring up Hillary’s emails.
Trump has such baby hands, they really are small
In fact, Trump is trying to overturn the 2018 elections.
Yeah, right. I was elected so I get to do whatever I want, inside the Constitution or outlaw.
And you're just going to repeat their horse shit? Wouldn't Trump being impeached give us president Pence? Or does impeachment magically get us Hillary? These things are facts, aren't they?
He's right. They are trying to overturn it. He shouldn't fucking be there and he's proven that literally every day.
If by fiery, you mean baseless, sure.
No. Each time a president has been impeached - each one of those presidents won elections. I'd think being impeached over a bj, when that's ALL the GOP could find wrong, was a lot more or a witch hunt than impeaching for abuse of power.
It's not overturning 2016, cause we would still have President Pence... unless he's complicit and impeached too.
Impeachment is joke waist of time and money
Funny how he tries to keep turning to 2016 and avoiding the real crime
Just the stupidest idea. We are less than a year away from the next election
With the possible exception of Mike Pence, *nobody* wants to see a Pence administration, yet we are impeaching him none-the-less. that is how bad it is and how unfit Trump is for the office.
This has nothing to do with 2016 and everything to do with 2020.
You spelled “falsely accuses” wrong. And you guys created the style guide? Sheesh!🙄
Ok. So, Trump is guilty of both articles of impeachment. Republicans were right, this is going to be a fast trial.
I definitely robbed People's bank at gunpoint. But, Liberty Bank bank charged my mom a fee back before I was born. So i have to be INNOCENT you see?
As Dershowitz likes to say 'it's not in the Constitution' ... Overthrowing elections is perfectly legal 😂😂😜😜😂😂
Over turning the election would be removing trump and then making Hillary president. Not one TheDemocrats is suggesting that. Is that really all the GOP has?
Seriously?!.. That old gag?
DUMB - the Election has come and gone and the Electoral Committee has long signed off on it and no one can change or overturn it now. Anything that happens thereafter is dealt with according to the dictates of the Constitution - hence the impeachment.
Alternate headline. Criminal tries to distract from criminal activities.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Dumb - the Election has come and gone and the Electoral Committee has long signed off on it and no one can change or overturn it now.
Same tired defense.
That's all they got? That's an argument stupid magats make to me on Twitter and this is their DEFENSE? Wow...
And why wait until he is 3 years in? I
So once again Trump is not denying any of the charges, he’s just attacking Democrats.
MasterQGJinn How embarrassing for them. Do they somehow think if Trump gets removed, Hillary will become President? Try again. Maybe exculpatory evidence? Nah, didn’t think so. AlanDersh JaySekulow RudyGiuliani TGowdySC IMPOTUS TrumpIsGuilty EndTheCoverUp
How is that in any way a relevant response to the charges made?
Idiots, zealots and fools. Trump is done.
Which looks even worse if anyone brings up the popular vote, where Trump lost by almost 3 million votes.
Because making Mike Pence president is a coup. 😐
He's the one trying to do that by asserting that Ukraine did it when his boss Putin did. Smh
It's 2020 tho...🤔
Powerful legal argument...
That's not it boys. New material please.
It’s true tho. If POTUS believes there was corruption between US and Ukraine, he’s within his rights and power to investigate. Dems must be afraid he’s getting close to learning why Hunter and Joe got paid, and why Dems went to Ukraine to ask for help investigating Trump.........
That argument is so wrong it's not even funny.
Yes, removing a president from office would have the effect of overturning his election (aside from the lost 3 years of chaos). What's their point?
If only we could prove that CROOK Donald Trump paid Comey to open the investigation of Hillary 10 days before the election. Think about it!
Well, that shot was impotent. Republicans are firing blanks!
colvinj No one can overturn an election. Country would still be stuck with Pence, Madame Tussaud waxed VP
Why is that the headline? Trying to rile up the MAGA cult idiots
They are dumber than a box of rocks.
Be more like HeidiNBC , .ap mediafail
Trump legal team is team of losers.
Why amplify this crap?
This is laughable no wonder they laughed!!!!!!!
As compared to denying the charges and proving his innocence?
That’s it.. that’s all they got? How desperate does this look. SMDH
Pretty weak.
Trump 2020!! And if removed from office. Trump in 2024 too!!!! Can happen. Lol!!!
Pathetic !!!
That’s rich, coming from the IllegitimatePresident. ElectionFraud PutinsPuppet CambridgeAnalytica
Where’s the lie?
Hey dumpster fire.. want to end this ... take an oath, then lie... CHICKEN SHIT... sorry chickens
Trump’s defense team obviously needs to brush up on the United States Constitution. This pathetic talking point is as vapid as trump.
So they got nothing
I hope it’s not lost on anyone that trump has actually been undoing the last two elections... NOW ALL THE REPUBLICANS PROJECT...
No crimes committed..!! Trump is only guilty of being himself The left 'cannot stand' that a President can get away with that..
SQUIRREL!
THEY RONT HAVE TO OVERTURN ANYTHING. HRC won by iver3 million votes. We elected her. The gop with the help of illicit tactics and a rigged electoral college disregarded our ( you know the actual citizens) choice. RemoveTrump
Nobody is overturning anything! You got your shot (with interference or not), you screwed it up, now take your consequences for the laws you broke. Barr cannot save you now. getParnastotestify ImpeachedForever
Same old same old....what did anyone expect him to say?
To GOP SenateGOP AlanDersh SCOTUS: Did our forefathers not think that an impeachment, as provided in the Constitution, would change the results of an elections?
These idiots know that's not how it works right?
Wish someone would get charged with sedition and treason.
TreasonousTrump a corrupt business man just like his father, both evading taxes, pay for play conman. Donald is a sexual predator and member of the Epstein Sex Club paying for sex with minor virgins. Adding an impeachment to his colorful resume is the least of his problems...
My word. Don’t they have a different line that isn’t petty? Shame
Yes from the moment 45 was elected the crazies snapped
This again. 74 Million people voted against him. It's just a stupid defense. If that were a factor it wouldn't be in the Constitution.
But..... Her emails!
Also: you can never fire someone, no matter what they’ve done, because that would *checks notes* undo their hiring.
Hillary won the popular vote and then trump might have had help with the electoral college vote. So yes overturn it.
GOP more lies and propaganda. In the meantime ✔Trump broke the law ✔Trump obstructed ✔Trump blackmailed Ukraine GOPCoverUp
The will of the people was to have HillaryClinton as our President Once they accept the EC win they are duty bound to accept impeachment
Again with the accusations that Dems are staging a 'coup', wanting to overturn the 2016 election, a 'Deep State'. Getting old guys. Let's go forward for a change. There is plenty of news there and maybe now and then write about the issues and the ideas of different people?
Has nothing to do with 2016 election
Do they know that if he's removed Hillary will not become President?
He has been impeached, no matter how they try to spin it, trump is IMPEACHED FOR LIFE.
Neither Dershowitz nor Starr ever actually answered the question: What federal laws specifically did the founding fathers have in mind since federal laws didn't exist at the time the constitution was written? They can't. If they put this on a test they'd fail their own exam.
Wow!! What a pathetic defense!!
EL SARAMPIÓN QUE AMENAZA PERO SE LAS PELLIZCA A LOS POLÍTICOS, TRAMPOSO RT
Deflection is not an affirmative defense.
How is that a defense? It’s been 3 years! If it was just to negate the 2016 election, then why go to all this trouble?
That is ridiculous. To follow that thinking nobody should be impeached because they were 'elected'?
The one that he and the Russians illegally interfered with
All fluff and noise and no substance.
The one he lost by 3 million votes? That one?
1st off, this is absurd reporting: ' Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who killed himself in a New York City jail cell last summer while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.' 4 the last time: Epstein did not kill himself. Ask Baden. Now maybe I'll finish this absurd article.
Oh FFS. Hillary would not become President. Pence would. Talk about stupid. Geez.
Is Trump's team so dense that they believe Hillary Clinton will be named president if Trump is removed from office? That's not how this works.
I am still a Democrat at heart, but not the trashy Pelosi, Nadler, Schiff and Schumer type who lie and lie again. My Democrats are X President Carter and LBJ but not Bill Clinton. I don't like Nixon.
As it SHOULD be!!!!🇺🇸☮️✌🏼
The duly elected ticket included Mike Pence. If Trump were removed, Pence would become president. His name was on the ballot. He was also elected. The argument fails.
That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. 🤣
The biggest Joke ever or what ? Republicans gote it backwards ! It was the other way around !
Why would Democrats want to overturn the election Hillary won by 2.86 million more votes?
Is this the defense? Seriously 🤦🏻♀️
The 2016 'election' should be overturned.
The practitioners of the Law really stink these days, don’t they.
And by pretending they can't be impeached for wrongdoing, the White House can be accused of trying to overturn the results of the 2018 Congressional Elections.
Oh holy hell, the election was over 3 years ago. The impeachment is a result of trumpies behavior in office😡
They aren’t trying to overturn the election realDonaldTrump , we are firing you for being a biggly corrupt crook!!!
This is what he keeps telling his base so they don't believe all the crap he has done. Republicans are doing whatever they want to deflect from the issues of Trump's withholding aid and soliciting foreign gov't interference for an election.
Hahahahaha
So if Trump were to go on a shooting spree killing people left and right he should not be removed from office because it's overturning the will of the people? Do they know just how fucking stupid that sounds?
Do they not get the fact Pence would take office if Trump is removed?
His legal team is really that bad to make such an outrageously stupid claim like this? Are they working for or against him?
Gosh, the GOP cannot think logically or creatively. They keep repeating the Illogical FOX news arguments over and over. An election can not be overturnedI
Too much cannabis sessions.
You can’t “overturn” an election morons. Hilary doesn’t move in tomorrow if you find him guilty. This says more about the educational system in this country than anything.
No... The 2018 election was a mandate to ImpeachTheMF
Truth
So not an actual legal argument, just more of their own propaganda. You know it’s over when you’re high on your own supply.
Will they submit Hillary’s emails as evidence? Or will they go with Obama’s fake birth certificate?
Pitiful! Who’s the one that lives in the past?
It’s a start.
It isn’t the dems who can’t get over 2016. They KNOW trump didn’t win the popular vote. It’s trump who can’t get over it. He keeps at it, determined to make everyone admit he won both the electoral college & the popular vote. He’s that dumb. It won’t ever happen bec it’s a lie.
Holy shit, this is amazingly weak.
Narrator: Trump lost the popular vote in the election
NFG
Republicans:
Next we'll be hearing how the 2020 election is an attempt to overturn the 2016 election.
Impeachment is clearly defined and described in the constitution. Which means that it is both legal and lawful. End. Of. Story.
Has NOTHING to do with the 2016 election and EVERYTHING to do with his conduct AS President.
Whoa. Hillary becomes president if trump is removed?
Classic Trump response. Accuse him of something, back it up with facts and he responds by calling you names and accusing you of something else. Children do it all the time ...
Wrong!!! We’re trying to ensure the 2020 election if safe, fair & secure.
They’ve been doing it in plain sight since November 2016.
No one is trying to overturn the 2016 election. This is about abuse of power.
🤣😂 Some legal 'dream team' ya got there, IMPOTUS
Sure.
Impeachment turns over election to ..... Pence.
A little late for that
Guess they’ve never heard of a thing called the Vice Presidency, then. RepublicansThinkWeAreAllidiots
LOL
Wait so doesn't that mean by that logic that the Newt gingrich led house was trying to overturn an election?
His lawyers have not read the Constitution.
Even if this were true (it’s not), it’s irrelevant. There were no Democrats actively pressuring Ukraine to find/conjure dirt on Trump’s political opponent; no Democrats illegally withheld aid from Ukraine.
Wouldn't that automatically be the result of impeachment if upheld in the Senate?
That’s some thin gruel there. But then, there is no defense.. QuitBroGo
Gaslighting 101
Fix the headline
AlanDersh KenStarr PamBondi forget there was an election in 2018 flipping of house districts blue 🌊 & wiping out GOP in many states❗️They forget that Dems won Governor races in two red states in 2019❗️ People have spoken & will continue to speak out, wanting Trump out❗️
Weak
No time to kid, AP. We have the country's two top legal minds and this is what you're reporting is their defense?
Treason charge may be treated as a very serious case on this impeachment trial of Trump,incase the senate finds baseless facts to remove the president. Then Pelosi is in big sheet!
Yet if Trump is removed ( I dont see that happening) Pence will be POTUS 😂😂😂
LOL,good one Dirty Donald!!
That’s their talking point bc they’re too ashamed of themselves bc they don’t have anything credible but to attack now that should tell everyone something about their state of mind to brainwashed ppl to cover up trump corruption scandals from the parnas spotlight is very credible
I seriously do not understand this. If trump is convicted we get Pounce. Why do we have to keep saying this?
Ummm. If Trump were removed Dems don't take the WH. GOP get Mike Pence there. Dumb argument.
'the democrats are big MEANIES' - GOP snowflakes
The drafters of our Constitution did not intend for impeachment to be a nullification of an election. It's a mechanism to punish an unfit Commander-In-Chief. Trump has had the opportunity to prove he is fit but he blew it. He deserves to be impeached AND removed!
Bruh, it's 2020
They know they don’t have to work hard since MoscowMitchTraitor has already indicated this trial won’t take long and he will he acquitted. Then they can claim it was all a hoax in their campaigns. Pandering to their base.
Why run an obvious lie?
Trump must have insisted they include that false statement.
snooze... what crap... why print this shit? It's a fucking given: all impeachments would do that! That is the WHOLE point of it in the CONSTITUTION: to get rid of an 'elected' official
This is the weakest “defense”, if trump goes Pence is President.
The next time someone gets fired for incompetence or breaking the rules they should accuse their boss of overturning the decision of the hiring manager. This is how stupid this defense is.
etuckerAP 😂😂😂
BS.
When actually, they’re accusing Trump of trying to rig the 2020 election.
I thought if you tried the 'Insanity defence' it was the client who was insane & not the defence team!
lol Their case to the Senate is going to be a regurgitation of Hannity talking points? 'Yes, impeachment is in the constitution. But it's only meant to be used on presidents who aren't duly elected.'
If someone accuses me of cheating on my wife, and I didn't do it, my defense would not be 'you're just trying to overturn our 2005 wedding!' But, if I was cheating on my wife that would probably be part of my defense.
how much longer do we have to put up with this bullshit? this impeachment has NOTHING to do with the 2016 election. Trump and his corrupt administration held back funds that Congress appropriated to the Ukraine and got caught. now he’s being held accountable for his actions.
U can’t shine that Turd enough to remove a dog catcher
This isn't breaking news, hell the democrats has already admitted that.
Absolutely not true. But we have good reason Trump was impeached: 1)colluded with a foreign Adversaries to rig the 2016 election 2)Obstructed Justice in at least 10 different investigations 3)Broke the law withholding aid and tried extort Ukraine 4)Assassinated Soleimani
Impeachment doesn't overturn elections, it's punishment for crimes committed.....
Lol. Ok. Trump has been impeached for the high crimes and misdemeanors of asking Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 election and withholding congressionally approved aid in a quid pro quo. 2016? Pfft.
Odd that the Defense can't defend...so they accuse.
Not overturn the election. Even those who wanted trump out from the beginning know that can’t happen, just as people who wanted Obama out from the beginning knew. Nope, just impeach the president who illegally blocked strategic aid to an ally in order to aid his re-election.
His presidential term is at an end already, so much so hes literally started campaigning for the next term. How can anyone, even his batshit, zealous supporters remotely consider this a viable possibilty.
As opposed to Donald Trump’s attempt to Influence and win the 2020 election? Oh, Ken Starr, what about that Baylor University scandal?
If this was a REAL TRIAL? How much of what they say would a judge actually say is relevant to the charges at hand?
Because he is a criminal just like Starr tried to do with Clinton wow they are really going that route.
If this is the best they have, their case is in serious trouble. Impeachment is not about overturning an election, it's about what trump has done before and while in office. He deserves removal. Great work AlanDersh and co... ImpeachmentDay Impeached45
That ridiculous piece of rhetoric seeks to overturn the mandate of the 2018 elections.
They are not trying to 'overturn' anything. They are trying to remove a corrupt 'president' after he committed multiple crimes against the US.
No defence, blame everyone else but Trump.
These guys went to law school, and that’s what they came up with. Huh.
Yes well they haven’t stopped “Reeeeeeeeeeeesisting” since he won. Not even HillaryClinton has gotten over it lmao
They're just phoning it in because McConnell and Graham and McSally and such cretins have already gone on Fox and signaled they arent doing anything but aqcuitting. They've sold their dignity for a third rate reality TV trial.
It doesn't even make sense because then we would have an actual electable Republican in office. That timetable would not be in our favor. At Max Trump has four more years. a hostile house and a senate that thinks he's an idiot. No one on the world stage takes him seriously
Shoulda called Saul
They cheated their way into the oval and want us to not treat him like an impostor?
If that's their defense, they're a bunch of idiots
Yeah that sounds like something they would say
So they're gonna go with the tried and true Chewbacca Defense...
That's what this whole ordeal is about.
Niggah Please
They are just stuck on that...that and the economy is so great...like we will ACCEPT a mafia boss and criminal and traitorous behavior as long as the economy is good.
Juvenile argument
Dems along with MSM have been trying for impeachment before he was even sworn in
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