In a public change of opinion, U.S. Representative and Democratic presidential candidate Tim Ryan is calling for the start of impeachment proceedings against President Trump.“We have a responsibility. I don't want to. I know what this is going to do to the country. I take no joy in this at all, but I have a duty and responsibility and that duty and responsibility has led me to think that we have to do this,” Ryan said in a Sunday townhall hosted by CNN.
The Youngstown Congressman had previously stopped short of calling for Trump’s impeachment and said the House should defer to the Judiciary Committee. On Sunday, he referenced a report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller as the tipping point.
“When you think that the President has committed crimes – and I’ve read the Mueller report and I believe he obstructed (justice) on multiple occasions – we have a responsibility," he added.
Trump has said he believes the report exonerates him, even though it does not.
Ryan is perhaps best known nationally for his failed attempt to win the House Speaker job over Nancy Pelosi, who is still stopping short of calling for the start of impeachment proceedings.
Republican leaders in the Senate have said they would immediately kill any attempt at impeachment.
