Billionaire Democratic donor Tom Steyer unveiled a new TV and digital ad campaign this week urging supporters to sign a petition to impeach President Trump, following the conviction and guilty plea of two Trump associates last week.
“How much more does Congress need to see?” Steyer says in the ad. “Donald Trump has now been implicated in two felony crimes. And he has all but confessed to them on Fox News.”
The ad comes after Trump’s former campaign chairman was found guilty last week on eight counts of bank and tax fraud, while his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to eight counts including two related to campaign finance violations.
It has been reported that Trump has discussed the possibility of granting Manafort a pardon, despite opposition from others in the White House.
“No one is above the law. So, we have to make sure this president doesn’t use pardons to cover up crimes,” Steyer says in the ad.
“If you agree that a president should not be allowed to pardon himself or his associates, join us at NeedToImpeach.com,” Steyer continues. “The Washington establishment doesn’t have the courage to act, but the American people can.”
The ad campaign cost $1 million, according to CNN. Steyer founded Need to Impeach last fall, which initiated a petition urging Congress to impeach Trump. The petition has secured more than 5 million signatures.
[Noemie Emery: Trump’s impeachment wont end his legacy — it could even make it stronger]
Tom Steyer launching new, $1 million TV/digital ad campaign through “Need To Impeach” org behind this new spot, highlighting Michael Cohen’s plea deal & concern about Trump pardons: https://t.co/1UyVurbHSo
— David Wright (@DavidWright_CNN) August 28, 2018
Steyer said earlier this month he was open to running for president in 2020, although a final decision will come after the 2018 midterms.
“I’m not ruling it out,” Steyer said when asked about his 2020 ambitions earlier this month, according to NBC News. “I’m not ruling anything out. Because I’m really going to look and see what is the thing that will make the biggest difference.”
