Former President Donald Trump, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, revisited the phone call that led to his first impeachment in 2019 during a recent meeting in New York. Trump dismissed the impeachment as a 'hoax' orchestrated by Democrats, emphasizing that they emerged victorious from the ordeal.
Trump praised Zelensky for not 'grandstanding' and for affirming that Trump had done nothing wrong in the controversial phone call. The former President credited Zelensky's statement for helping to quash the impeachment proceedings, asserting that the 'hoax died right there.'
In 2019, Trump faced impeachment over allegations that he pressured Ukrainian authorities to investigate Hunter Biden's business dealings. Following a Senate trial, Trump was acquitted of charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
During the recent meeting, Zelensky remained stoic as Trump recounted the events surrounding the impeachment, with Trump expressing his recollection of Zelensky's support during that tumultuous period.
The interaction between the two leaders shed light on the contentious history between the United States and Ukraine, underscoring the political complexities that have defined their relationship in recent years.