Republican Senator Mitt Romney is the recipient of this year’s John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his vote to condemn former President Donald Trump in his first impeachment trial “and his consistent and courageous defense of democracy.”
“He was willing to risk his career and his popularity within his own party to do what’s right for our country and to follow his conscience and constitution and his impeachment votes,” former Ambassador Caroline Kennedy told NBC News Friday. Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander. in an exclusive interview on the “TODAY” show.
“I think his courage sets an example for all of us,” she said, adding that Romney’s decision reflected lawmakers in her father’s book, after which the award is named.
Romney of Utah is the first senator in US history to vote to condemn a president in his own party. Trump was cleared of allegations that he had solicited foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election.
“I appreciate the honor very much, but I am also humbled by it,” said Romney, 74, noting that he had once run into Ted Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy’s late uncle.
Romney’s vote created some enemies in his party, but he said he doesn’t regret his decision.
“I sleep well because I know I did what I thought was right,” he said.
“We took a vow when the impeachment trial began,” added Romney. “We swore, under God, that we would apply impartial justice. I took that very, very seriously. I listened to the various testimonies that were provided, I looked at it with some depth … and I felt that that was a serious matter. was enough violation of his oath of office to demand a guilty verdict. “
“ What I have discovered throughout my life is that you do the things you know are right, so you can act on the promptings of your conscience, which gives you more happiness and satisfaction than doing things to move forward. to come.
Caroline Kennedy’s son, Jack Schlossberg, 28, said Romney’s actions proved “that courage, faith and integrity are not outdated, and that politics can still be a noble profession.”
