Washington–Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement:

"Yesterday, President Donald Trump sparked and then encouraged an insurrection that laid siege to the very center of our democracy, proving beyond any doubt that he is a clear and present danger to the United States of America. He has once again abused the power of his office and violated his oath to uphold the Constitution and take care that the laws are faithfully executed. Whether by impeachment or by invocation of the 25th Amendment, Donald J. Trump must no longer be allowed to serve as leader of the free world. I urge Congress to take any and all actions required to hold the president accountable and ensure that our institutions are resilient and our democracy will prevail. And as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I will work with my colleagues to rebuild the global damage to democracy and the rule of law that President Trump has done.

"Yesterday’s assault on our Capitol came on the heels of months of lies from the president about the election he ultimately lost and the constitutional system of government he is sworn to defend. Months ago, during a presidential election debate, he instructed far-right extremist factions like the Proud Boys to ‘stand back, stand by.’ Yesterday, steps from the White House, he mobilized them in a desperate attempt to overturn the results of our free and fair election.

"President Trump has not just abused his office and assaulted U.S. democracy, but he has undermined the stability of an international world order premised on principles of democracy and the rule of law. As Chairman of one of the House’s six investigative committees, I will work swiftly with my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee to seek President Trump’s removal from power and disqualification from holding any future office.  We owe the country no less, in order to protect our democracy at home and our national security abroad." 

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