Some in Congress Demand Trump Transcripts

Democrats are intensifying their calls for an independent prosecutor to take over the Russian investigation, especially in light of reports that President Trump divulged classified intelligence to top Russian officials. And now Democrats are calling on their Republican colleagues to subpoena a transcript of the president’s meeting with senior Russian officials. Democrats, though, are in the minority so all they can do is apply public pressure.

“We are hoping that our Republican colleagues rise to the occasion,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told reporters at the Capitol Tuesday. He says the allegations that Trump was openly discussing classified information with Russian officials are worrisome and could affect U.S. relationships across the globe.

“All of that is extremely troubling. The damage that’s done, even though the president has the right to declassify, remains just as strong.”

But Republican leaders aren’t budging, as they continue to reject calls for a special prosecutor to get involved in the case.

“The Intelligence Committee, I think, has already requested additional information. I have a lot of confidence in Chairman Burr and Senator Warner to handle that whole matter perfectly,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said at his weekly press conference.

But the heads of the investigation say it’s increasingly hard to do their job, because the scope of their investigation seems to keep broadening.

“It does seem every week we end up with more questions than we do answers,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) told Countable. He’s the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee which is leading the Russia investigation. Warner says the new charges against Trump are unsettling if they prove true.

“When you’re talking about sources and methods, when you’re talking about potentially compromising a relationship with an ally, that’s troubling to say the least.”

Even some Republicans are pushing their party leaders to broaden the investigation. “The dust is still settling. We’re still waiting to make sure that the reporting was accurate,” Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) told Countable.

“But exactly what was communicated to them is unknown – there’s talk of transcripts that might be available. And, obviously, if there are transcripts, we’ll want to see them.”

Do you think Trump should share transcripts of his private meetings with Russian officials? Contact your lawmaker and let them know what you think!

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-- Matt Laslo

(Photo Credit: The White House)