Schiff Blames Bolton for Trump’s Acquittal: ’He’ll Have to Answer for That’
John Bolton refused to submit a sworn affidavit under oath during impeachment
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Impeachment manager Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said former national security adviser John Bolton declined to submit a sworn affidavit under oath during President Donald Trump's regarding alleged wrongdoing with Ukraine.
Speaking with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Schiff said that Democrats approached Bolton’s counsel to see if he would provide a written statement after the Senate voted not to call witnesses.
Bolton's written statement would have been "describing what he observed in terms of the president’s Ukraine misconduct."
Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y. told reporters the House would likely subpoena Bolton after Trump's acquittal, Maddow noted.
"First of all, I think when you have a lawless president, you have to bring that to the fore, and you have to spotlight that," Nadler said.
"Second of all, no, as more and more lawlessness comes out, I presume the public will understand that," Nadler told reporters outside a Democratic caucus meeting.
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Schiff added:
“For whatever reason, he was willing to testify before the Senate, but apart from that seems intent on saving it for his book."
"He’ll have to answer for that," Schiff warned.
But in 2018, Schiff claimed Bolton had a "lack of credibility" and was prone to "conspiracy theories" - and that Bolton thought there was nothing untoward about Trump's interactions with Ukraine, according to a Fox News report.
Schiff told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow during March 22, 2018, after Bolton was named national security adviser:
"This is someone who's likely to exaggerate the dangerous impulses of the president toward belligerence, his proclivity to act without thinking, and his love of conspiracy theories."
"...we did approach John Bolton’s counsel, asked if Mr. Bolton would be willing to submit an affidavit under oath, describing what he observed in terms of the President’s Ukraine misconduct, and he refused." -Rep. Adam Schiff pic.twitter.com/74uYvxFrqc
— Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) February 6, 2020
Adam Schiff slams John Bolton as a liar (2018) pic.twitter.com/tXLghhpMLW
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 30, 2020
FLASHBACK: Adam Schiff In 2005 Said John Bolton Has A “Lack Of Credibility” - YouTube https://t.co/Mc7U3rVrNa
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 30, 2020
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Trump tweeted an interview with Bolton in August 2019, where he discusses Ukraine's policy.
Bolton makes no mention of any illicit quid pro quo, while acknowledging, as Republicans have claimed, that combating "corruption" in Ukraine was a "high priority" for the Trump administration, according to the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty interview clip.
On Wednesday, Trump has been found not guilty in his impeachment trial, ending the Democrats' impeachment circus.
The Senate voted to acquit him 52-48 on charges of abuse of power and 53-47 on obstruction of Congress.
