President Trump defended Rep. Tulsi Gabbard against claims she works for Russia and said that he respects the Hawaii Democrat for not voting to impeach him.
During a Sunday speech before a raucous crowd at a Turning Point USA event, Trump mocked former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s accusation that both Green Party candidate Jill Stein and 2020 presidential candidate Gabbard are Russian assets meant to ensure his reelection.
Pausing to give Gabbard credit for voting “present” during last week’s impeachment vote in the House of Representatives, Trump said, “I give her respect. She didn’t vote the other day. I give her a lot of respect because she knew it was wrong.”
“I don’t know her, but I know one thing,” Trump continued. “She is not an agent of Russia.”
Though she favored a censure of the president, Gabbard took flak from members of her own party because she abstained to vote in favor of impeachment.
[Related: ‘Balls of steel’: Meghan McCain cheers Tulsi Gabbard’s ‘present’ vote on impeachment]
“Throughout my life, whether through serving in the military or in Congress, I’ve always worked to do what is in the best interests of our country,” Gabbard wrote in a lengthy statement. “Not what’s best for me politically or what’s best for my political party. I have always put our country first. One may not always agree with my decision, but everyone should know that I will always do what I believe to be right for the country that I love.”
“After doing my due diligence in reviewing the 658-page impeachment report, I came to the conclusion that I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no,” she continued. “I am standing in the center and have decided to vote ‘present.'”
Of those who voted to impeach the president, all were Democrats, save for one independent. Two Democrats voted against the two articles of impeachment that allege Trump abused his power and obstructed Congress.
