During a House Intelligence Committee hearing where former CIA Director John Brennan was testifying about Russian interference in the 2016 election, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) had the nerve to make a collusion joke.
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After a delay when time had been yielded to Gowdy, Rep. Gowdy said, “Sorry, I was colluding with my friend from Florida.”
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This sort of “humor” is why most Americans don’t trust Congressional Republicans to investigate the Russia scandal. Many Republicans like Gowdy appear to be mocking the idea of collusion.
The joke was inappropriate given the severity and national security consequences of what is being discussed. The Trump campaign’s potential collusion with Russia is no joke. There is a reason why the FBI is investigating the Trump campaign for potential collusion with Russia. There is also a reason why Mike Flynn invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
If Republicans think the possibility that Trump colluded with Russia is a joke, then they can’t be in charge of the investigation.
Gowdy’s comments are why an independent select committee or an independent prosecutor is needed right away because Republicans can’t be trusted to investigate Trump.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
