Credit: The New York Times

The President will not be appearing at this week’s hearings.

As House Democrats continue to carry on with what many Republicans refer to as a ruthless and unnecessary impeachment process, President Trump has clearly expressed how he feels about these hearings. Neither the president nor his lawyers will take part in an impeachment hearing that has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Counsel to the President Pat Cipillone sent a letter to Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee regarding the impeachment hearing that President Trump has repeatedly referred to as a “witch hunt.”

The letter, in part, states: “As you know, this baseless and highly partisan inquiry violates all past historical precedent, basic due process rights, and fundamental fairness. Your letter asked that the President notify the House Committee on the Judiciary (“Judiciary Committee” or “Committee”) by December 1, 2019, whether the Administration intends to participate in a hearing scheduled for December 4, 2019. You scheduled this initial hearing – no doubt purposely – during the time that you know the President will be out of the country attending the NATO Leaders Meeting in London.”

Cipillone’s letter also laid out a list of demands for future hearings, including allowing President Trump to call additional witnesses to express whether or not the commander in chief abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden. President Trump vehemently denies any sketchy behavior.

On Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee will stop focusing as much on the investigation and fact-finding, and shift their energy to determine if charges are viable.

Nadler responded that he will give the president until next Friday to announce whether he will provide a defense or call witnesses to the stand.

Even if the House voted on impeachment, there is little guarantee that the President would actually be removed from office. The vote would then move to the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans.