Impeachment October 9, 2019

Trump’s New Impeachment Attorney Said You Shouldn’t Withhold Documents From Congress

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 12: House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-SC) questions Deputy Assistant FBI Director Peter Strzok during ajoint hearing of his committee and the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill July 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. While involved in the probe into Hillary ClintonÕs use of a private email server in 2016, Strzok exchanged text messages with FBI attorney Lisa Page that were critical of Trump. After learning about the messages, Mueller removed Strzok from his investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 presidential election. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Donald Trump is beefing up his legal staff to help fight (and stonewall) the impeachment inquiry. The Associated Press reports:

Former Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy has been tapped to serve as outside counsel to President Donald Trump as the House impeachment inquiry expands.
That’s according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal legal matters.

MSNBC adds:

There were some reports that suggested Gowdy initially turned down the offer, but he was persuaded by acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, who previously served alongside Gowdy as Republican congressmen from South Carolina.

This new role has raised questions about whether Gowdy has changed his tune when it comes to whether the White House should cooperate with Congressional requests. Many are pointing out that back in 2012 he spoke out about this.

.@TGowdySC: “The notion that you can withhold information and documents from Congress no matter whether you’re the party in power or not in power is wrong. Respect for the rule of law must mean something.”

He should inform his new client, Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/6H1oYoPHMO
— CAP Action (@CAPAction) October 9, 2019

Gowdy was a Fox News contributor, until today. It’s a job he started back in January of this year.

New: A Fox spokesperson says Trey Gowdy has been "terminated and is no longer a contributor."

The move comes after the White House retained Gowdy as outside counsel for the House impeachment inquiry.

Gowdy had just been hired as a Fox contributor in January.
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) October 9, 2019