Just when you thought Donald Trump's presidency couldn't get any more controversial, another bombshell rocks Washington.

The leader of the free world is now suffering a full-blown crisis of credibility.

He is joined by his beleaguered surrogates, who scramble to explain Trump's actions but are often contradicted by the boss himself.

Amid all of the drama, reports that Trump asked FBI director James Comey to end the investigation into former national security adviser General Michael Flynn feels like a game changer.

Trump put pressure on ex-FBI boss

It's a game changer because it will force Republicans, I believe for the first time, to really examine whether or not they can support their President.


They have to decide, in this moment, if they can put country over party, and demand to know whether their commander-in-chief obstructed justice and abused his high office.

But will they?

:: Trump warns Comey not to leak conversations

It is a cliche because it is true, but Trump doesn't face real consequences over any of this unless his fellow Republicans want him to.

'Did you share classified information with the Russians?'

They sit on both the House and Senate committees that are investigating whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to swing the election.

If they want to, these committees can insist on seeing whatever relevant memos, documents, "tapes" and witness testimony they want to as part of their investigation.

Republicans also control the House and the Senate, both of which are needed for impeachment to begin and to proceed.

But maybe something else other than loyalty to country will motivate Republicans to break their deafening silence and demand the truth.

Trump 'didn't know source' of intelligence

Soon there are special elections for vacated congressional seats in Georgia and Montana.

Both should go to Republicans, but polls suddenly suggest they may not.

All of a sudden, alarm bells are (faintly) ringing for the 2018 midterms.

Call me cynical, but nothing motivates politicians like their own survival.

Just ask Trump.