California Republican Devin Nunes (screengrab)
Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) gave an "angry and conspiratorial" opening statement as the lead Republican defending President Donald Trump in the first televised impeachment hearing.
Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, talked about conspiracy theories and "nude pictures of Trump" during his opening statement.
The Fresno Republican's opening statement was roundly mocked online. Here's some of what people were saying:
Attacks on the state Department witnesses are stupid. Nunes and his talk of Ukrainian sequels belongs on Hannity.… https://t.co/rGwHs0I6Uj— Nicolle Wallace (@Nicolle Wallace)1573659547.0
Man if Devin Nunes is your lead guy in the defense of your ethics you are so fucked— john r stanton (@john r stanton)1573658650.0
In his opening statement, Rep. Devin Nunes mentions "Steele dossier," "nude pictures" and "Alexandra Chalupa." "An… https://t.co/NxpZQRLGdz— Toluse Olorunnipa (@Toluse Olorunnipa)1573658796.0
Devin Nunes accusing someone else of engaging in "cult like" behavior takes some real self-delusion.— Matthew Miller (@Matthew Miller)1573658662.0
Devin Nunes just read the most boring and lie-filled opening statement in American history. It was utterly ridiculo… https://t.co/WaPyISF4fN— Scott Dworkin (@Scott Dworkin)1573659136.0
There were many many words from Devin Nunes but not one of them was a defense of President Trump's "perfect" phone call.— Susan Glasser (@Susan Glasser)1573659263.0
Schiff’s statement was understandable to everyone. Nunes’s statement was understandable to everyone who watches Hannity 23 hours a day.— Adam Parkhomenko (@Adam Parkhomenko)1573659149.0
Schiff offers facts, Red Devin brings up nude photos of the faux Sun God. Huh?— John Weaver (@John Weaver)1573658781.0
Difference between Schiff and Nunes opening statements: Schiff is trying to speak to the entire country. Nunes is… https://t.co/rSGNvn7P1G— Brian Stelter (@Brian Stelter)1573658543.0
US congressman Devin Nunes said to be fierce cross examiner, due to litigation experience against cows and similar barnyard defendants.— DPRK News Service (@DPRK News Service)1573659229.0
Not sure I'd have staked out that "no collusion with Wikileaks" position, but hey, these aren't very bright guys https://t.co/kv5hWbWmKO— Tom Nichols (@Tom Nichols)1573658729.0
Is it just me, or is @DevinNunes particularly insufferable today?— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@Ana Navarro-Cárdenas)1573658792.0
As Rep. Nunes denounces the investigation, Republican Rep. Randy Weber says from the audience: "Amen."— Patricia Zengerle (@Patricia Zengerle)1573658765.0
Nunes did a little spew of tonight's evening Fox news performance. LOL.— Rick Wilson (@Rick Wilson)1573659052.0
Nunes open reminds me of something @ProfMMurray said on the show a few days ago: Trump's behavior and the defenses… https://t.co/ktHOZMVtmh— Chris Hayes (@Chris Hayes)1573659381.0
Yep, Devin Nunes went there. He's attacking (as Democratic stooges) witnesses Amb. Bill Taylor and State Dept's Geo… https://t.co/Acg79gwsQf— Larry Sabato (@Larry Sabato)1573659110.0
So, as expected, @DevinNunes didn’t defend a shred of the substance of Trump’s extortion scheme. Pure deflection. #Moo #ImpeachmentHearings— Rachel Murphy Azzara #DemsWork4USA (@Rachel Murphy Azzara #DemsWork4USA)1573659223.0
A reminder for Nunes, the Mueller probe was launched by Trump's DoJ, not the Democrats.— David Jolly (@David Jolly)1573658486.0
Nunes basically did a tuck-and-roll out of a moving Uber one night to run to the White House and cover for Trump so… https://t.co/yVDcPJkamd— shauna (@shauna)1573659256.0
Nunes now insulting Taylor and Kent, spinning the “deep state” yarn. Very disappointing.— Michael McFaul (@Michael McFaul)1573658884.0
Nunes telling a Bronze star Vietnam vet who also served in Iraq and Afghanistan that he’s a chump who was conned by… https://t.co/TctPAsKY2c— Virginia Heffernan (@Virginia Heffernan)1573659122.0
Whenever Devin Nunes is speaking, the chyron MUST read "Is suing fake cow on Twitter." #ImpeachmentHearings— Rex Huppke (@Rex Huppke)1573658932.0
The opening statement of Devin Nunes is full of attacks on the character of Democrats and complaints about the proc… https://t.co/lZPOedwCyw— Renato Mariotti (@Renato Mariotti)1573658837.0
Dear Californians of Devin Nunes' 22nd district, You should be ashamed. Signed, All Americans 🇺🇸 #ImpeachmentHearings— Jack 🇺🇸😷 (@Jack 🇺🇸😷)1573658960.0
Devin Nunes is a useful reminder that the problem with our politics is not limited to Trump and won’t disappear when Trump is gone.— Ben Rhodes (@Ben Rhodes)1573658784.0
Devin Nunes is the Trey Gowdy of Matt Gaetzes— Atrios 🟨🟥 (@Atrios 🟨🟥)1573659150.0
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