Adam Kinzinger's 'biggest regret'
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) has revealed his biggest regret as a lawmaker: not voting in favor of former President Donald Trump being impeached during the first impeachment trial.
On Friday, March 11, the Republican lawmaker took to Twitter with a thread of tweets as he recalled the series of events that led up to Trump's first impeachment. At the time, the former president was impeached on two articles: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The impeachment trial centered on Trump's questionable phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky where he attempted to press for information on the Biden family.
Although he was later acquitted, the circumstances surrounding that impeachment trial are still relevant today given the chaos erupting in Ukraine as Russia invades. Highlighting details surrounding the impeachment trial, Axios noted that: "Trump's accusers alleged that he withheld much-needed military aid to force Zelensky's hand, which Kinzinger said has affected Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russia."
Kinzinger offered his take on the deadly situation unfolding in Ukraine as he explained how Trump ties into it. "I want to be honest, in Congress, I have only a few votes that in hindset, I regret. My biggest regret was voting against the first impeachment of Donald Trump," the lawmaker admitted.
He added, "It’s important for political leaders to be transparent and admit regret when needed. The bottom line, Donald Trump withheld lethal aid to Ukraine so he could use it as leverage for his campaign."
Thread (and admission): 1) I want to be honest, in congress I have only a few votes that in hindset, I regret. My biggest regret was voting against the first impeachment of Donald Trump.— Adam Kinzinger (@Adam Kinzinger) 1647049221
2) It\u2019s important for political leaders to be transparent and admit regret when needed. The bottom line, Donald Trump withheld lethal aid to Ukraine so he could use it as leverage for his campaign. This is a shameful and illegal act, directly hurting the Ukraine defense today\u2026— Adam Kinzinger (@Adam Kinzinger) 1647049222
He added, "This is a shameful and illegal act, directly hurting the Ukraine defense today."
The Illinois lawmaker also explained how he wishes he could have made a different decision when he voted against Trump's first impeachment. He tweeted, "I wish I could go back in time and Vote for it, but I cannot. What we can do now is to ensure that this NEVER happens again, and that we all put the interests of our nation above our party. [Alexander Vindman] and others deserve our appreciation."
