The atypical approach by the president comes after some of his top Hill allies have been privately pleading with Trump not to attack Republicans as the impeachment probe enters its most high-profile phase yet, according to multiple GOP lawmakers and aides.
These senior Republicans have argued that the strategy is more effective at keeping GOP members in line — especially when it comes to House Intelligence Committee Republicans, who are serving as Trump’s first line of defense on the Ukraine scandal.
And it appears to be working. During Wednesday’s first public impeachment hearing, even the moderate and retiring Republicans on the Intelligence Committee showed no signs of breaking with Trump, raising serious doubts about whether Democrats will be able to peel off a single GOP vote for impeachment.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member