Senate Judiciary Committee leader and strong supporter of Donald Trump, Lindsey Graham, has issued a stern warning to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He emphasized that Pelosi must submit the articles of impeachment to the Senate this week, or face the creation of new rules that would strip her of any powers regarding the impeachment process.
Trump was impeached by the US House in December 2019, but Pelosi has been withholding the articles from the Senate. She insists on a ‘fair’ trial in the Senate before sending the articles, leading to a standstill in the impeachment process.
Graham has accused Pelosi of attempting to manipulate the Senate trial by delaying its commencement. He proposed collaborating with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to modify the Senate rules if Pelosi continues to withhold the articles, enabling the trial to proceed without her involvement if necessary.
When questioned about the timeline for taking such action, Graham stated, “Days, not weeks.” He expressed concerns about Pelosi’s tactics, asserting that they pose a threat to the presidency as an institution. Graham suggested following the Clinton model, streamlining the trial process to ensure a swift resolution, even if it means sidelining Pelosi.
Expressing his hope for a prompt conclusion to the impeachment trial, Graham emphasized the need to take action if the articles are not submitted promptly. He urged for the rules to be changed to instigate the trial, and if the House does not participate, to dismiss the case and focus on governing the country.