Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) on Sunday argued that Donald Trump should admit he extorted Ukraine because he had "every right" to do it.
During an interview on Meet the Press, Paul tried to change the narrative when it comes to Trump's attempt to get Ukraine to manufacture dirt on Joe Biden.
"I think it’s a mistake to say, oh, he withheld aid until he got what he wanted," Paul said. "Well, if there is corruption, he has every right to withhold aid."
"So I think it’s a big mistake for anybody to argue quid pro quo, he didn’t have a quid pro quo," he added. "I know that’s what the administration is arguing. I wouldn’t make that argument. I would make the argument that every politician in Washington other than me virtually is trying to manipulate Ukraine."
In fact, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney did admit Trump wanted a quid pro quo in exchange for military aid. But Mulvaney later claimed he had not said what he said.
A so-called transcript of Trump's call with Ukraine's president also states that the U.S. president wanted a "favor" before releasing the aid.
Following the interview, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) called out host Chuck Todd for allowing Paul to spin Trump's actions.
