Pelosi accuses Trump of deserting Kurds in ‘foolish attempt to appease an authoritarian strongman’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday blasted President Trump’s decision to pull U.S. troops out of northern Syria ahead of Turkey’s planned invasion, accusing the president of “deserting our Kurdish allies.”

In a “Dear Colleague” letter to members of her caucus, the California Democrat argued that Trump’s move — which sparked bipartisan pushback from members in both chambers — could lead to destabilization in the region and pose a threat to U.S. national security.

“As we focus on our For The People agenda during the District Work Period, Democrats and Republicans alike are condemning President Trump for deserting our Kurdish allies in a foolish attempt to appease an authoritarian strongman,” she wrote.{mosads}

“This decision poses a dire threat to regional security and stability, and sends a dangerous message to Iran and Russia, as well as our allies, that the United States is no longer a trusted partner,” she added.

Pelosi also acknowledged House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against Trump, writing that “none of us has come to Congress to impeach a President” but emphasizing the need to continue investigating.

“Because of the seriousness of the challenge to our Constitution that our country faces, it is imperative that we address this investigation somberly and prayerfully,” she added.

Pelosi argued that Trump’s behavior in recent weeks — including asking China to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden — vindicates Democrats’ decision to move forward with a formal impeachment inquiry.

“The actions taken by the President over the past two weeks show a defiance of our Founders, with a total disregard for their wisdom and the U.S. Constitution,” she wrote.

“In his ‘great and unmatched wisdom,’ President Trump must know that no one is above the law,” she continued, referencing a tweet from Trump the previous day. “The President will be held accountable. When it comes to impeachment, it is just about the facts and the Constitution.”

Trump has defended his calls for Ukraine and China to investigate Biden, and on Tuesday he defended Turkey as a NATO ally and strong trading partner for the U.S. amid fierce backlash among Republicans over his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from northern Syria.

Pelosi in her letter addressed the escalating battle between the White House and congressional Democrats, arguing that the Trump administration’s decision to block witnesses from testifying for the impeachment probe is an obstruction of justice.

She also encouraged committees to continue their investigations as Democrats look to accelerate their formal impeachment inquiry into the president. 

“At the same time as President Trump is obstructing justice, abusing power and diminishing the office of the presidency, we have a responsibility to strengthen the institution in which we serve,” she wrote.

“This is essential if we are to honor the separation of powers which is the genius of the Constitution.  To that end, I thank and am grateful to the Chairs and Members of the committees of jurisdiction and indeed all the members of our Caucus for their seriousness of purpose in honoring our oath of office,” she added.