Schiff Mulling Over ‘Next Steps’ Amid Controversy Surrounding Bolton’s Book Allegations

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is considering the next steps to be taken following former national security adviser John Bolton's allegations in his upcoming book titled, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir.”

The California lawmaker has released a statement on Thursday announcing that he will be consulting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in the coming days as they decide on the next course of action.

The next steps are being considered due to Bolton's book allegations which detail President Donald Trump's communications with foreign leaders.

Schiff, who headed the House's impeachment prosecution against Trump over his alleged contact with Ukraine, is also vowing to continue exploring avenues to investigate the president for possible mishandlings.

“We will continue to hold Trump accountable, and work to expose his abuses and corruption," Schiff said in a statement. "In the coming days, we will be consulting with the Speaker and other chairs on next steps."

The allegations in Bolton's book also include claims about Trump soliciting Chinese President Xi Jinping's help to seal his re-election.

Jonathan Drake/Reuters

On Thursday, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) noted that a subpoena for Bolton to testify may be something to be considered.

However, a subpoena would open the door for a legal battle with the White House due to the Trump administration's history of combatting subpoenas and barring witnesses from testifying.

Although Democrats could be faced with a legal and political battle from the White House if they opt to further investigate, they do not appear to be deterred. Schiff also noted that the controversy surrounding Bolton's book allegations could be the proof needed to confirm the president's wrongdoing.

“If these new allegations are accurate, it is further proof that Trump’s coercion of Ukraine, for which he was impeached, is part of a persistent pattern by Trump of abusing his position and misusing the powers of the U.S. government to seek personal and political benefits from foreign governments," Schiff said.

However, Trump has continued to downplay Bolton's book as he insisted it is "a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad."

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Schiff's latest statement follows his tweets about Bolton. On Wednesday, Schiff tweeted, "Bolton may be an author, but he’s no patriot," as previously reported on IJR .

https://twitter.com/RepAdamSchiff/status/1273347802026979328

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He also tweeted, "History will judge Republicans. Harshly."