Donald Trump has lashed out at several Republican congressmen after an amendment to defund criminal prosecutions of the former president failed by "only one vote."
In a post on Truth Social he attacked Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson after he "stupidly" voted "no" on the amendment that would have prohibited the use of federal and state funding for the prosecution of any presidential candidate prior to November's election.
The amendments to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Bill, introduced by Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde, failed to pass by a vote of 25-26.
Trump also blamed House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee who did not show up to vote on the amendment.
Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a rally in Doral, Florida, on July 9, 2024. Trump attacked a number of House Republicans after an amendment to defund criminal prosecutions of the former president failed... Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a rally in Doral, Florida, on July 9, 2024. Trump attacked a number of House Republicans after an amendment to defund criminal prosecutions of the former president failed by one vote. More GIORGIO VIERA/AFP/Getty Images
The presumptive 2024 GOP nominee is facing federal trials over allegations he illegally hoarded classified documents after he left office, and attempted to criminally overturn the 2020 election results. Trump and several other defendants are also facing trial in Georgia under a sprawling 2020 election interference case. Trump has already been convicted of 34 felony charges as part of his falsifying business record case in New York.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said: "Just heard from Great Congressman Andrew Clyde of Georgia that the Amendment to Defund the Prosecution of a Presidential Candidate prior to November's Election did not pass, 26-25.
"It lost by only one vote, because one Republican, Mike Simpson of Idaho, stupidly voted NO, and two 'Republicans,' David Valadao of California and Dan Newhouse of Washington, the only two remaining Impeachers in the House of President Donald J. Trump, didn't show up to vote,' Trump added.
"They must have had more important things to do. Also, Mike Garcia of California, David Joyce of Ohio, and Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, didn't show up to vote. Thanks very much, fellas, for your great support!"
Speaking to The Daily Caller, Simpson explained why he voted against the amendment to defund prosecutions of presidential candidates despite believing the cases against Trump are "politically motivated and utter nonsense."
"I am grateful the Supreme Court has acted as a balancing force against the Democrats' weaponization of the judicial system," Simpson said. "However, prohibiting the use of funds for investigations sets a dangerous precedent—potentially limiting Republicans' ability to investigate President Biden's wrongdoings. For that reason, I could not support this amendment."
Simpson's office has been contacted for further comment via email.
Clyde said he intends to reintroduce his amendment in the coming weeks.
"My measure fell short of receiving enough support because several of my Republican colleagues conveniently 'missed' the vote. I'm deeply disappointed—but I'm not giving up," he told The Daily Caller.
The House Appropriations Committee is expected to markup the CJS bill when members return to Washington, D.C., in September.
Training-Republic301 on July 13rd, 2024 at 13:59 UTC »
No president has ever cared about breaking the law as much as this idiot. No president has ever had to rely on these legal tactics. How about just don't break the law
lifeofrevelations on July 13rd, 2024 at 12:30 UTC »
What's wrong donald? You said you wanted law and order.
...
Shout out Mike Simpson. At least some of you still have some integrity.
carbondalio on July 13rd, 2024 at 12:22 UTC »
So assassination of a political opponent: a-okay Persecution of a criminal who happens to be running: not ok
Gotchya