In a wide-ranging interview that aired on Sunday, Republican Rep. Tom Rice argued that impeaching former President Donald Trump was a conservative vote and that he would do it again tomorrow.
The South Carolina lawmaker, who was one of ten Republicans to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, said that his vote was in adherence to the Constitution.
Defending the Constitution is a core part of the Republican platform. Conservatives voted that way. He said there was no question in his head.
Rice pointed to the former president's response to the violence at the Capitol when she spoke disapprovingly of Trump's conduct.
The congressman said that it was clear to him what he had to do. I'm angry about it. I swore to protect the constitution.
He said he'd do it again tomorrow.
Rice, who was first elected to the House in 2012 and is up for reelection this year, faces several challenges in the upcoming June 14 contest.
During a recent appearance in the state, Trump slammed Rice as a "total fool" after endorsing Fry.
The congressman pointed out that his voting record was in line with the priorities of the former president.
If I'm a total fool, and I voted with him 169 times, what does that make him? I'm following him. He's driven by attention and revenge, and he's a narcissist.
The South Carolina man said he would be willing to back Trump again, but only if he apologized for his actions.
"If he came out and apologized, then I might consider it," the congressman said.
Rice wouldn't say if he'd back Kevin McCarthy for House speaker if Republicans win back control of the House.
She would be a great speaker according to the congressman. I think she's a fearless leader and I think she's a real Republican.
Last week, former House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin traveled to South Carolina to campaign for Rice, who he said didn't have the guts to vote for Trump's second impeachment.
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