Rep. Justin Amash
Justin AmashWho are the House Democrats backing Trump impeachment? Who are the House Democrats backing Trump impeachment? Amash hits Trump and his allies: They are ‘trying to excuse’ his obstruction efforts MORE (R-Mich.) has opted to quit the House Freedom Caucus in the wake of his comments in support of moving forward with impeachment proceedings against President Trump
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Amash took to Twitter in May to say that after reading the Mueller report he believes the president engaged in “impeachable conduct,” also accusing Attorney General William Barr
William Pelham BarrDemocrats needle Trump with Watergate witness Democrats needle Trump with Watergate witness Barr compares his return to DOJ to D-Day invasion MORE of “deliberately misrepresenting” the findings of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The Freedom Caucus previously voted to condemn the Michigan Republican’s remarks last month, but the group opted not to force him out despite a divide amongst members. Members have repeatedly made it clear Amash’s voice did not represent their opinions on the matter, asserting they do not believe there was collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin or any attempts by the president to obstruct the Mueller investigation.
Pressure to kick the congressman out of the group began to mount after Amash, a founding member, failed to alert the group he planned to make his position on impeachment public, blindsinding his colleagues.
Members of the Freedom Caucus have served as some of Trump’s strongest defenders in Congress, continuing to stand by the president as momentum builds within the Democratic party to impeach the president.
The president has maintained that Mueller’s investigation found “no collusion” and “no obstruction.” Mueller did not establish the that Trump campaign conspired with the Russian government. He neither implicated nor exonerated the president on allegations of obstruction.
Amash is expected to face a well-funding primary challenge, with at least one challenger, Michigan state Rep. Jim Lower (R), having announced his intentions to run against the incumbent in the wake of comments.
