The brief filed this week by President Trumps legal team outlines how they plan to fight each of the two articles of impeachment passed by the House of Representatives.
President Trumps defense:
Article I: Abuse of Power
Its a made-up theory, not an impeachable offense
Trumps hold on Ukrainian aid was justified by the Constitutions rules on presidential power
Trump was right to ask for Ukraine investigation into the Bidens and their possible conflicts of interest there. Joe Bidens status as a presidential candidate does not require the government to turn a blind eye to potential wrongdoing
Trumps allegedly improper motive for the request is disproved by the transcript of his call to Ukrainian President Zelensky and testimony that he pressed Ukraine on its corruption problems as far back as 2017
Charges of an improper motive are speculation built on hearsay, not first-hand testimony
Article II: Obstruction of Congress
Asserting legal rights and privileges by contesting congressional subpoenas is not obstruction
House subpoenas were illegal issued before the vote to open an impeachment inquiry
Department of Justice advised Trump to contest House subpoenas
Top presidential advisers have absolute immunity from congressional testimony
Trump was defending the separation of powers with his refusal to cooperate
Source: Trial memorandum
thanx for that
Bump!
Did the House managers have to file a brief outlining how they were going to prosecute their case against the President? If so, did they file it? Is it published?