https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/world/calls-escalate-to-remove-donald-tru...Joe Biden has distanced himself from a move to impeach Donald Trump, as top US military officials have been asked to put in place measures to curb the US President’s ability to launch a nuclear strike.
Quizzed over reports that Democrats could introduce articles of impeachment as soon as Monday (local time) unless Mr Trump steps down willingly or is removed by Cabinet, the President-elect responded: “What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide.”
He said his priority presently was preparing for his new administration and had three main concerns: the coronavirus, vaccine, and economic growth.
“I’m focused on the virus, the vaccine and economic growth. What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide. But I’m going to have to, and they’re going to have to be ready to hit the ground running, because when Kamala and I are sworn in, we’ll be introducing immediately significant pieces of legislation to deal with the virus, deal with the economy, and deal with economic growth,” Mr Biden said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not comment on when the impeachment process could commence following a lengthy conversation with her Democratic colleagues.
She said Democrats of the house hoped Mr Trump would “immediately resign" but if he did not, action would be taken.
“Today, the House Democratic Caucus had an hours-long conversation that was sad, moving and patriotic. It was a conversation unlike any other, because it followed an action unlike any other,” Mrs Pelosi said.
“It is the hope of Members that the President will immediately resign. But if he does not, I have instructed the Rules Committee to be prepared to move forward with Congressman Jamie Raskin’s 25th Amendment legislation and a motion for impeachment. Accordingly, the House will preserve every option – including the 25th Amendment, a motion to impeach or a privileged resolution for impeachment.
“With great respect, our deliberations will continue.
RUMP TO SKIP BIDEN INAUGURATION
Meanwhile, Mr Trump has confirmed he won’t attend Joe Biden’s inauguration.
“To all of those who have asked, I will not be going,” Mr Trump tweeted.
The statement scuppered any idea that Trump might seek to spend his remaining 12 days helping his Democratic successor to calm tensions.
To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
Not since 1869 has an outgoing US president missed the inauguration of the incoming leader, a ceremony symbolising the peaceful transfer of power.
Mr Biden said it was a “good thing” Mr Trump would not be attending.
“He’s exceeded my worst notions about him. He’s been an embarrassment for the country and embarrassed us around the world. He’s not worthy to hold that office,” Mr Biden said.
He said Vice President Mike Pence would be “welcome” at his inauguration.
Mr Biden, who won seven million votes more than Mr Trump, as well as a decisive majority in the vital state-by-state Electoral College, will be sworn in on the Capitol Steps under huge security.
Between drastic COVID-19 crowd restrictions, the absence of Trump, and a new “unscalable” fence thrown up around the congressional complex, there will be little of the ordinary inauguration vibe.
looks more and more like Nancy is taking charge...