DeLauro Statement on President Trump’s Call with Ukrainian President

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement after reports that President Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about investigating Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, while withholding foreign aid from Ukraine.

"President Trump is continuing to test the bounds of our laws and our Constitution. No President of the United States should use their position to insist that a foreign leader investigate one of his political opponents—let alone withhold Congressionally appropriated foreign aid for such purposes. This represents a new chapter in Trump's egregious conduct, one that is based on actively interfering with the 2020 election rather than his past misconduct around the 2016 election. If these findings are true, they are a reckless abuse of power that put his own interests ahead of those of the American people."

"At the same time, Trump's Acting Director of National Intelligence (ADNI) is stonewalling the House Intelligence Committee, whose Members are entitled to see the entire whistleblower's complaint that alerted us to Trump's actions. ADNI's refusal to show this document to Congress is unlawful, and his office has thus far refused to comply with the Intelligence Committee's subpoena—showing a complete disregard for the rule of law."

"This is a matter of grave urgency. Congress and the American people deserve the truth from President Trump and his Administration. As with many of my colleagues, I have been reluctant to call for an impeachment inquiry because it would further divide the country, be perceived as overturning the 2016 election, and go to the United States Senate where Republicans would acquit President Trump regardless of the evidence. But these actions regarding the 2020 election are a turning point."

"I am in full support of the Intelligence Committee's handling of this matter, which is in their jurisdiction. They must have unfettered access to the entire whistleblower's complaint, and the whistleblower must be able to come forward and be heard without retribution. An impeachment inquiry may be the only recourse Congress has if the President is enlisting foreign assistance in the 2020 election. Congress must meet this pivotal moment in our nation's history with decisive action."