Rep. Dan Goldman, a prominent figure in former President Trump's first impeachment trial, is facing backlash over his potential involvement in the bipartisan task force investigating the attempted assassination of the former president.
Amidst the ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Trump, the office of a House Democrat has vehemently refuted criticism over his possible inclusion in the bipartisan task force tasked with examining the incident.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), who played a pivotal role in Trump's first impeachment inquiry, is among the candidates being considered for a position on the commission. However, his potential appointment has ignited controversy due to previous remarks he made advocating for Trump's defeat.
GOP Criticism Mounts as Dem Impeachment Counsel Eyed for Task Force Investigating Trump Shooting Attempt
In November 2023, Goldman stated in an MSNBC interview that Trump "has to be eliminated." Despite subsequently apologizing for his choice of words, the comment has resurfaced in light of his possible inclusion on the task force.
"Democrats are trying to put Dan Goldman on the committee to investigate the assassination attempt. Just weeks ago he called for DJT to be ‘eliminated.’ Probably not the best person to have on this task force," tweeted Donald Trump Jr., son of the former president.
GOP Criticism Mounts as Dem Impeachment Counsel Eyed for Task Force Investigating Trump Shooting Attempt
Goldman's spokesperson, Madison Andrus, has defended his commitment to democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing his unwavering condemnation of political violence. She highlighted his efforts in congressional hearings to hold the Secret Service accountable for its security lapses during the incident.
Despite the backlash, Goldman remains a potential contender for the commission, which was established by a unanimous 416-0 vote in the House last week. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) are responsible for selecting members to the panel, which will comprise seven Republicans and six Democrats.
GOP Criticism Mounts as Dem Impeachment Counsel Eyed for Task Force Investigating Trump Shooting Attempt
However, as of Friday morning, Jeffries' office indicated that no final decisions had been made. Another possible Democratic contender is Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), a former state's attorney.
On the Republican side, numerous members have expressed interest in serving on the task force. Among them is Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), whose district hosted the shooting and who was present during the incident. Kelly's prominent role in initiating the resolution establishing the task force further strengthens his candidacy.
GOP Criticism Mounts as Dem Impeachment Counsel Eyed for Task Force Investigating Trump Shooting Attempt
The task force's formation comes as the FBI seeks to interview Trump regarding the assassination attempt. The source who disclosed this information did not provide further details on the timing or scope of the interview.
Meanwhile, the FBI has come under fire for its testimony before a congressional committee, with experts suggesting that the trajectory of the bullet that struck the assailant does not align with the agency's claim that he was hit by shrapnel.
The ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt continues to draw attention, with the potential appointment of Goldman to the task force adding another layer of controversy to the proceedings.
