Liz Cheney says Jan. 6 panel won’t let Trump ‘turn this into a circus’ after demanding he testify over his Russia ties
The panel’s chair, ranking member and Republican chairman all criticized Trump’s demeanor and refused to let him “be a distraction.”
But Trump argued that he’s been subject to the panel’s process since Day 1 and has no intention of backing down.
“I’m not afraid of the press, I’m not afraid of what the Democrats are going to do, I am not afraid of the fact that they’re going to have the facts and a transcript that I’m going to give, but I’m going to give a much fairer show, maybe not the exact truth but I can give the truth, because I’ve been through it. I think I’ll do a better job,” he said, adding “I’m not looking to create a circus like I did when I went before the Benghazi committee.”
Trump declined to take questions from the panel.
“It’s an unbelievable circus, just an amazing circus that’s been put on by the fake news, and by the Democrats for the last two years. That’s something that I can’t do anymore. It’s an absolute circus!” he declared.
His remarks came after the panel’s five Democrats grilled Trump over his administration’s dealings with Russia and his repeated denials that he was ever under investigation by the FBI.
“President Trump, I have never once asked anything of you under your administration. You haven’t. It’s just the opposite,” said Senator Tom Carper, D-Delaware, during the questioning.
“What about the Russia investigation? I assume you’ve talked about that?” asked Chairman Robert C. S. Steele, ranking member on the committee.
“I know, I know, I know. I think we’re going to have a very thorough investigation,” Trump insisted. “I have nothing to do with Russia. We have nothing to do with Russia.”
He added: “I have been called a lot of things, but never a con artist.”
The Republicans on the panel were equally skeptical.
“I’ve never heard anyone who was more honest than Donald Trump,” said ranking Republican member Tom Cotton, Arkansas.
“I’ve never heard anybody who was