U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, appearing in Maine for the first time since her vote not to impeach President Trump, said Friday that she disapproves of retribution against anyone who came forward with evidence during the process.
Trump is expected to fire Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a National Security Council aide who testified against him during the House impeachment inquiry, the Washington Post reported Friday. He also has hinted, as have some supporters, that there should be payback against some of his critics.
Collins did not endorse that approach, but she did defend her vote to acquit the president, while also acknowledging his conduct was wrong.
“I think it’s important to understand that when you’re in an impeachment trial, you consider the evidence that is before you,” the Republican senator said following an event in South Portland. “You don’t try to make predictions. You consider the evidence that’s before you. In this case, the evidence did not meet the high bar that’s established by the constitution for immediate removal of the president from office. So that was the basis for my decision.”
Er wordt verwacht dat Collins een krachtig 'Foei' zal doen uitgaan, uitgesproken met gefronste wenkbrauwen. Daarna gaat ze weer over tot de orde van de dag.