Democrats in both the Senate and House of Representatives are calling for an investigation into the sexual misconduct accusations against President Donald Trump — with some calling for his outright resignation.
Fifty-six female Democratic members of the House of Representatives signed a letter to the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., as well as the committee’s Ranking Member, Rep. Elijah Cummings, R-Md., according to CNN.
“In the time of ‘Me Too,’ women across the country are coming forward with their own harrowing stories of sexual harassment and assault. Members of Congress have also come under scrutiny and investigation, with some resigning, for improper sexual conduct. We cannot ignore the multitude of women who have come forward with accusations against Mr. Trump,” the legislators said.
Trump responded on Tuesday by denouncing the claims against him as “false accusations and fabricated stories.”
Despite thousands of hours wasted and many millions of dollars spent, the Democrats have been unable to show any collusion with Russia – so now they are moving on to the false accusations and fabricated stories of women who I don’t know and/or have never met. FAKE NEWS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2017
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York also argued for an investigation in lieu of resignation, telling CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Monday that “President Trump has committed assault, according to these women, and those are very credible allegations of misconduct and criminal activity, and he should be fully investigated and he should resign.”
She added, “These allegations are credible; they are numerous. I’ve heard these women’s testimony, and many of them are heartbreaking.”
On Tuesday, Trump issued a sexist tweet attacking Gillibrand, in response to her statement.
Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office “begging” for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked-USED!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2017
Gillibrand remained defiant, responding to Trump’s tweet by saying that she would not be silenced.
You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office. https://t.co/UbQZqubXZv
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 12, 2017
In the aftermath of Gillibrand’s tweet, another Democratic senator joined Gillibrand in calling for Trump’s resignation — Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.
Here’s Sen. Hirono calling for POTUS to resign amid resurfaced sexual harassment claims: pic.twitter.com/tFJ0nrNyht
— Marianna Sotomayor (@MariannaReports) December 12, 2017
Denouncing Trump as a “misogynist,” “admitted sexual predator” and “liar” with a “narcissistic need for attention,” Hirono told NBC News that “the only thing that will stop him from attacking us — because nobody’s safe — is his resignation.”
Not all Senate Democrats share the belief of Gillibrand and Hirono that Trump should resign. Although their position is supported by Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Ron Wyden of Oregon, other Senate Democrats have expressed reservation over the calls for Trump to be investigated or step down.
Here’s what Sen. Feinstein had to say about it: “I don’t think that will be effective because… I don’t believe this president will resign. It’s an action that won’t result in anything.”
— Marianna Sotomayor (@MariannaReports) December 12, 2017
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin said it’s too early to call for resignations or impeachment of POTUS, but added that allegations “should be taken seriously” and “should not be dismissed.”
— Marianna Sotomayor (@MariannaReports) December 12, 2017
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois has said that it is too early to call for Trump to be impeached or resign, although he did acknowledge that the accusations against him “should be taken seriously.” Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, meanwhile, expressed doubts that the calls for Trump to resign would be effective because “I don’t believe this president will resign. It’s an action that won’t result in anything.”
