Just days after being condemned my his Freedom Caucus colleagues, Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI) stepped down from the conservative group Monday evening, CNN was first to report.
As the lone GOP lawmaker to stand with Democrats in support of impeachment, Amash told CNN he stepped aside to avoid being a “distraction” for the caucus, of which he is a founding member.
“I have the highest regard for them and they’re my close friends,” he told CNN. “I didn’t want to be a further distraction for the group.”
In a series of tweets last month, Amash declared special counsel Robert Mueller’s report includes numerous examples of Trump obstructing justice and said he was in support of impeachment. Amash, who is known to break with his party, received significant blowback for his stance, including a disparaging tweet from President Trump and a primary challenger.
But back home, Amash has been cheered for speaking out.
Read CNN’s full report here.
