‘You’re going to remove yourself’: Transcript reveals how Gaetz was ejected from impeachment hearing

A transcript of a former National Security Council official’s closed-door testimony revealed how a Republican lawmaker was ejected from the impeachment hearing.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, was present when Fiona Hill began her deposition on Oct. 14. The Republican is not a member of the three committees leading the impeachment investigation into President Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine and was noticed by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff a few minutes into the hearing.

“Excuse me, could we suspend?” Schiff said, according to the transcript released Friday. “Do we have any members here that are not members of the three committees authorized to be present? Mr. Gaetz, you’re not permitted to be in the room.”

“I’m on the Judiciary Committee,” Gaetz said.

“Judiciary Committee is not a part of this hearing,” Schiff responded.

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