Walz Urges Congress to Formally Censure Trump Over Charlottesville Comments

Rep. Tim Walz called the president’s handling of the violence in Charlottesville a “complete failure in moral leadership” and said Congress has a “moral obligation” to censure Trump.

WASHINGTON – Minnesota Rep. Tim Walz is urging Congress to formally censure President Donald Trump following his remarks on the violence that broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia between participants in the “Unite the Right” rally and Antifa counter protesters.

Walz recently endorsed a resolution introduced by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) which calls for the “condemning and censuring” of Trump. In a series of tweets supporting the resolution, Walz called the president’s handling of the violence in Charlottesville a “complete failure in moral leadership” and said Congress has a “moral obligation” to censure Trump.

House Democrats maintain Trump’s initial response to the violence in Charlottesville was “inadequate.” Trump strongly condemned the white supremacy groups involved in the violence two days after the incident, which Democrats contend was not soon enough. Moreover, the following day Trump held a press conference where he referenced the Antifa counter protesters and said “both sides are to blame.” Democrats who support the resolution believe Trump’s response to the incident excuses the “violent behavior of participants in the ‘Unite the Right’ rally.”

A censure, as defined by Cornell Law School, is a Congressional reprimand of a president. It is described as the “political equivalent of a strongly-worded letter” and the resolution, if passed, would have no legal effect.

It is unlikely the Democrats’ effort will come to a vote in the Republican-controlled House.

Christine Bauman