WAshington, D.C.— In response to the release today of the whistleblower complaint recounting the efforts of various people in the Trump administration, including Trump himself, to solicit Ukraine’s interference in the 2020 elections, PFAW Executive Vice President of Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statement:
“The whistleblower report is absolutely damning. What it provides is a study in corruption, laying out the magnitude of a scheme among numerous people around Donald Trump to enlist Ukraine in an effort to dig up dirt on a political rival and subvert our democratic elections, and then to cover up the evidence of that scheme. This effort apparently started months before the infamous July phone call and according to the whisteblower, that call only happened after numerous officials established that Ukraine would have to ‘play ball’ in order to get a call or a meeting with Trump. The report and the activities it recounts are jaw-dropping; the American people have every right to expect all those who participated in this scheme to be held accountable.”
Among other things, the report shows:
- More evidence of a quid pro quo arrangement demanded by the White House in exchange for Ukraine’s help
- Evidence that the scheme began months before the July phone call, with extensive involvement by Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani
- More evidence of involvement by Attorney General William Barr
- Clear evidence that administration officials were aware of wrongdoing, as evidenced by their efforts to conceal records of the phone call
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.
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