Mar 11, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Kinzinger: "Biggest regret" is voting against Trump's first impeachment

Shawna Chen

Photo of Adam Kinzinger speaking and gesturing with his right hand — Photo: Andrew Harnik/Pool via Getty Images

Retiring Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said Friday that his "biggest regret" during his time in Congress was voting against the first impeachment of former President Trump.

Why it matters: Trump was impeached and later acquitted on two articles — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — related to a phone call in which he pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the Biden family. Trump's accusers alleged that he withheld much-needed military aid to force Zelensky's hand, which Kinzinger said has affected Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russia.

What he's saying: "It’s important for political leaders to be transparent and admit regret when needed. The bottom line, Donald Trump withheld lethal aid to Ukraine so he could use it as leverage for his campaign," Kinzinger tweeted.

"This is a shameful and illegal act, directly hurting the Ukraine defense today," he said.
Adding that he wished he could go back in time and vote for the former president's impeachment, he said, "[W]hat we can do now is to ensure that this NEVER happens again, and that we all put the interests of our nation above our party."

Go deeper: Republicans Cheney and Kinzinger slam GOP, Trump over Ukraine crisis

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Kinzinger: "Biggest regret" is voting against Trump's first impeachment

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