McConnell doesn’t join attacks against Vindman, key impeachment witness

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday declined to join in on the attacks waged by President Trump and some of his allies against Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key impeachment witness.

McConnell told reporters Tuesday that he will not question the patriotism of Vindman, a Ukrainian American immigrant who told House investigators that he was “worried” by Trump’s effort to press Ukraine to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. 

{mosads}“I’m not going to question the patriotism of any of the people who are coming forward,” McConnell said.

“The action is in the House now. We’ll see whether they can … meet the due process standards, fundamental due process standards, and then see what they do,” he added. “I think the vote that they’re now going to have to open the impeachment inquiry is going to be very interesting.” 

One of Trump’s allies, former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), on Tuesday suggested Vindman, a National Security Council official, may have a greater sense of allegiance to Ukraine.

“We all have an affinity to our homeland, where we came from. Like me, I’m sure that Vindman has the same affinity,” Duffy said on CNN.

“He has an affinity, I think, for the Ukraine. He speaks Ukrainian, he came from the country, and he wants to make sure they’re safe and free. I understand that,” he said.

Trump on Tuesday dismissed Vindman as a Never Trumper.

“Supposedly, according to the Corrupt Media, the Ukraine call “concerned” today’s Never Trumper witness. Was he on the same call that I was? Can’t be possible! Please ask him to read the Transcript of the call. Witch Hunt!” Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. 

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics in the Senate, called the attacks on Vindman “absurd” and “disgusting.”

“It’s absurd, disgusting and way off the mark. This is a decorated American soldier, and he should be given the respect that his service to our country demands,” Romney told reporters when asked about criticism of Vindman.