Calling President Donald Trump “intemperate and impulsive,” independent Sen. Angus King on Tuesday joined the state’s two Democratic House members in supporting the impeachment of the president.
King issued a scathing statement criticizing both Trump’s rhetoric that encouraged a violent mob to march on the U.S. Capitol and Republicans who undermined the results of a “free and fair election.”
“To put our nation on the path towards healing, we must tell the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. Let’s start with this clear and obvious fact: Donald Trump’s campaign to undermine our democratic system is the single most irresponsible act ever committed by a United States president in our history. He must be held accountable,” King said.
Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree was the first member of Maine’s congressional delegation to announce her support of impeachment. She was joined Monday evening by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who said Trump’s “clearly meets the threshold of a ‘high crime or misdemeanor.’”
Republican Sen. Susan Collins has criticized Trump but hasn’t said what she views as an appropriate punishment.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is summoning lawmakers back to Washington for votes, and some Republicans are joining Democrats.
The mob overpowered U.S. Capitol Police and forced members of Congress to delay the counting of electoral votes on Wednesday. A Capitol Police officer and four others died.
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