Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement expressing her support for removal of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump:

The issue of impeachment is a gravely serious matter, not to be taken lightly, and I could never have imagined that I would have to weigh this matter not once, but twice during my very short time in Congress. Yesterday, for the first time in 232 years, our nation’s transition of power turned violent. In an attempted coup conducted at the request of and enabled by the President we saw the United States Capitol under siege. President Trump’s refusal to condemn political violence and destruction for hours in self-serving apathy, his public proclamation of love for the mob of insurrectionists, and his failure to act swiftly to provide support to law enforcement protecting our Capitol clearly demonstrate his inability to continue to lead this nation. The President lit a match igniting disgusting acts of terror and refused to extinguish the flames of sedition and unvarnished extremism which held the very heart of our democracy hostage. In addition to putting the Capitol Police, congressional staff, Members of Congress, and D.C. residents at risk – the President sent the message to the world that he will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on power.

These acts cannot be ignored or further enabled with inaction in favor of political expediency. Yesterday’s events are a direct result of the unintended consequences of no accountability. To be locked in my office watching my son’s innocence slip away as he realized the Capitol complex was not the secure place he marveled at exploring, to hear him ask “are they coming here,” and for me to have no answer reaffirmed for me that Americans are looking to their leaders for answers. The President cannot be trusted to continue in his role as the protector of our democracy and the official who will respond for our country.

The events on January 6th are the antithesis of every American ideal, and responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of this President. He violated his oath to protect and defend our country for the express purpose of overturning a national election.

The President bears responsibility for the actions that took place on January 6th and must be held accountable. The fragile foundations of our democracy and national security depend on our action. I am joining my colleagues in calling for the immediate removal of this President by invoking the 25th Amendment or ultimately impeachment.”

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Rep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.

Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.