Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) is a staunch Republican and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.
So when activists with the anti-Trump veterans group Common Defense confronted Meadows to challenge his views on Trump's impeachment, Meadows attempted to disagree while remaining reverent.
Meadows reportedly said, "My people!" when approaching the veterans, but things quickly got awkward when the topic turned to the President.
Watch below.
GOP Rep @MarkMeadows came up to a group of our veterans ("my people!" he said) and asked why we were in Washington… https://t.co/h8Y5JQOuLE— Common Defense (@Common Defense) 1576518694.0
"I think it's very clear that he is using our foreign policy for personal gain," one veteran told Meadows, "and that's not the role of the President."
When Meadows asked what Trump said that was corrupt, the veteran cited Trump's urging of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation into his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden in exchange for releasing congressionally approved military aid to the ally country.
Meadows pointed out that the announcement never occurred, which the veteran countered by reminding him that Trump was caught before the announcement could be made:
"If you try to commit a crime and you don't, you still tried and that still counts to me, sir. That's what I learned in the Marine Corps."
Meadows responded with standard GOP impeachment talking points:
"I want to say thank you for your service. I appreciate that. We disagree on the facts of the matter...I can tell you the aid was held up and there are depositions yet to be released."
The veteran concluded by reminding Meadows that Trump's accountability or lack thereof regarding foreign policy will determine a standard for every president after him.
People sided with the veteran activists.
Veterans will tell you what's what, that's for damn sure! https://t.co/Uookqrm5KD— Trish~Needs~a~Nap😴 (@Trish~Needs~a~Nap😴) 1576527998.0
Thank you for showing & speaking truth to power. Your service to your country has continued to inspire. https://t.co/1eMjkp8AMp— Marvitta (@Marvitta) 1576520136.0
Bravo to these veterans for trying. Shame on @MarkMeadows for putting party over country. https://t.co/VI6Mpd6mkx— geekgirlnc (@geekgirlnc) 1576519164.0
This is what patriotism looks like. https://t.co/6PtmNovBJl— Chris Edelson (@Chris Edelson) 1576521714.0
They weren't satisfied with the counterarguments from Meadows.
Unlike @RepMarkMeadows, I am a Veteran and a 25-year service member. The oath I took was to the country and the Co… https://t.co/f1UWMHbtpk— Col. Morris Davis (@Col. Morris Davis) 1576519901.0
Meadows said he did not agree with the facts. He should demand a real trial in the senate so that he can get all t… https://t.co/anq5TqppTy— Mary Mary (@Mary Mary) 1576520617.0
Good for them! @RepMarkMeadows obviously believes if you plan a murder but aren't successful, it's fine.... or if y… https://t.co/KchzGKUjMu— Brian Griffin (@Brian Griffin) 1576520611.0
Oh, this is delicious. When respect for veterans conflicts with @MarkMeadows lying toadyism. Defend the Constitut… https://t.co/AsNTddioQP— Drew Dellinger (@Drew Dellinger) 1576530142.0
So Rep @MarkMeadows and the gop's defense of trump is that the crime is not a crime because Ukraine didn't comply w… https://t.co/d6PvueF5g0— Steven Romo (@Steven Romo) 1576523923.0
The House of Representatives will vote on the articles of impeachment against Trump this week. Meadows is almost certainly voting against them, but he'll be doing so with these objections on his mind.