Portman: Trump’s Behavior ‘Wrong and Inexcusable’ but May Not Be ‘Subject to a Conviction’
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) says former President Donald Trump ‘s comments and actions before a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 were wrong. During an interview on CNN on Sunday, Portman said, “I have…
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) says former President Donald Trump‘s comments and actions before a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 were wrong.
During an interview on CNN on Sunday, Portman said, “I have said with regard to the president’s comments that day that they were partially responsible for the horrible violence on Capitol Hill. I’ve also said that what he did was wrong and inexcusable.”
The Ohio senator said that we would keep an open mind during the trial as the Democratic Impeachment managers make their case against Trump.
However, he added that he believes “this constitutionality issue” regarding the trial of a former president “needs to be addressed.”
He also claimed that “all former presidents — those alive and those not — could be affected in a negative way.”
When asked if failure to convict Trump would be “excusing” his behavior, Portman said, “It can be inexcusable and yet not be subject to a conviction after a president has left office if you look at the Constitution.”
Watch the video below:
The Senate is scheduled to begin its Impeachment trial of Trump the week of February 9 to determine whether or not to convict him on the charge of “incitement of insurrection.”