Tipsheet

Steyer Brags About Launching an Impeachment Push More Than Two Years Ago

During Thursday night's 2020 Democratic debate, billionaire Tom Steyer was proud to remind the audience that he called for impeaching President Donald Trump more than two years ago.

"Let me remind everyone that I'm the one that started the 'Need to Impeach' movement over two years ago," Steyer said. "Because I believe what counts here is actually the American people's opinion. Over 8.5 million signed that petition and dragged Washington into the idea that [he is] actually the most corrupt president in American history. It is not a question of political expediency. It's not a question of political tactics. It's a question of right and wrong." 

Steyer argued that in order for the "American people to understand what's going on" that various Trump administration officials need to "testify on TV so we can judge." 

"The court that counts here is the court of public opinion. The American people deserve to see the truth of these administration officials testifying under oath so we can make up our own mind," he said. "If we want Republican senators to do the right thing we need their constituents to see the truth on TV and tell them, 'Get rid of this guy or we'll get rid of you.'" 

The billionaire said he's a big believer in "the grassroots" having their voices heard. 

According to the "Need to Impeach" website, Steyer launched the campaign on October 21, 2017 and his petition has 8.4 million signatures. The website also includes FAQs about impeachment, including a so-called explanation about how the president "met the threshold for impeachment."