Donald Trump’s actions are impeachable, say US senators and House Representatives
Donald Trump may have committed an obstruction of justice by allegedly asking then-FBI Director James Comey to end an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, members of Congress have warned.
The White House said a memo written by Mr Comey after he met with Trump in February, first published by The New York Times, was not an accurate portrayal of the conversation.
"I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go," Mr Trump said to Mr Comey, according to his memo. "He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go."
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Last week, the President fired Mr Comey, who had been leading an investigation into the Trump presidential campaign's possible collusion with Russia to influence the outcome of the election.
Mr Flynn resigned in February after disclosures that he had discussed US sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United States before Mr Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations.
Asked if Congress was nearing impeachment proceedings on CNN, Independent Senator Angus King said: "I have to say yes simply because obstruction of justice is such a serious offence.
"And I say it with sadness and reluctance."
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN: "What we're seeing... is an obstruction of justice case unfolding in real time. And I'm still stunned that more of my Republican colleagues are not standing strong and speaking out."
But Republican Representative Trey Gowdy told Fox News: "We're a long ways from a conviction - the fact that we simply have a headline in The New York Times."
In a statement, Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi said: "If these reports are true, the president's brazen attempt to shut down the FBI's investigation of Michael Flynn is an assault on the rule of law that is fundamental to our democracy.
"At best, President Trump has committed a grave abuse of executive power. At worst, he has obstructed justice."
