White House urges media outlets to 'ramp up its scrutiny' of GOP over Biden impeachment 'lies'

The White House is urging major media outlets to increase "scrutiny" of House Republicans and hold them "accountable" for opening an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden based on what the executive branch says are "lies." 

White House Counsel spokesman Ian Sams sent a memo Tuesday, titled, "It’s Time For The Media To Do More To Scrutinize House Republicans' Demonstrably False Claims That They’re Basing Impeachment Stunt On," the same day that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he approved opening an impeachment inquiry against Biden.

"After nearly 9 months of investigating, House Republicans haven’t been able to turn up any evidence of the President doing anything wrong," the memo, first published by "The Hill," begins.

The White House even criticized CNN's story stating that up to 30 House Republicans do not think there is enough evidence to impeach Biden yet. After referencing CNN, Sams said that "reporting that solely focuses on process rather than substance is woefully inadequate when it comes to something as historically grave as impeachment. It’s time for the media to ramp up its scrutiny of House Republicans for opening an impeachment inquiry based on lies."

Sams also circulated a 14-page appendix that he said shows how "Virtually every single allegation that House Republicans have suggested would be the basis for pursuing impeachment has been refuted."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who was criticized in the memo, posted on X: "Joe Biden and the WH are now admitting to the entire world that they tell the media exactly what to say and do. No wonder the media attacks President Trump 24/7 and never tells the truth about Democrats."

Even if the House votes to impeach Biden, some Senate Republicans are doubtful that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would pick up the measure for a vote in the chamber.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.