Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says it was a “mistake” to impeach former President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky scandal. In comments reported by multiple outlets, Gingrich argues that the “real problem” was not the affair itself, but the legal issues that brought impeachment forward. The reporting notes that Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House in 1998 on charges including perjury and obstruction of justice related to testimony and statements connected to the Lewinsky relationship. The Senate later acquitted him.
Sources also state that Gingrich, who played a key role in leading the impeachment inquiry at the time, is now critical of how the case was framed, saying the focus on the sexual relationship tended to overshadow the underlying accusations involving perjury and obstruction. The Independent additionally notes Gingrich has acknowledged having an extramarital affair during the same period he led the impeachment efforts. Overall, the accounts agree on Gingrich’s change of position and his view that the impeachment should have centered more directly on the legal conduct rather than the Lewinsky affair.
