In 2019, Donald Trump denied Ukraine critical defensive weapons and blackmailed President Volodymyr Zelensky—the same leader who is now showing unbelievable courage rallying his people to resist Putin’s invasion.
I remember it vividly because I led the effort as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee when Donald Trump was first impeached by the House for it.
The tragedy Putin is inflicting today on innocent people in Ukraine is directly connected to Trump’s first impeachment.
The truth is this: the forces of authoritarianism are on the march, both in Ukraine and here at home.
That’s why I’m working with MoveOn to call on Republicans in Congress and beyond to speak out against Putin’s war in Ukraine. Add your name now!
Congress had a constitutional responsibility to hold Trump accountable, and that’s exactly what we did -- even if the Republican Senate twice failed to do their job.
Now, with a well-funded right-wing media machine siding with Trump, Putin, and the forces of authoritarianism, it’s more important than ever that we fight for our democracy and make sure we are not spreading Putin’s propaganda and aiding his information war against the people of Ukraine.
Trump has called Putin a “genius,” his former advisor Steve Bannon has lauded Putin for being masculine. Senator Tom Cotton, in a live interview, refused to call out Trump’s praise of Putin. So long as Republicans continue to cower to Trump and Putin, we will not be able to fully support the people of Ukraine.
Tell Republicans in Congress that they must denounce Putin’s war and its supporters, including those in their own party!
Donald Trump tried to emulate Putin’s authoritarianism when he tried—and failed—to force himself into office for the second time, over the wishes and certified votes of the American people. For our government, and for the world, we need to side with democracy and reject power grabs.
Thank you for making your voice heard,
Jerry
