A Democratic lawmaker on Thursday explicitly questioned on the House floor whether the Trump administration is compromised by Russia.

“Are we witnessing the first Manchurian presidency in the history of the United States?” Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.) asked.

The term "Manchurian," used to describe a compromised political actor, is derived from the 1959 novel "The Manchurian Candidate," which is about an American being unwittingly brainwashed into becoming an assassin for a Communist plot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Payne’s escalated remarks came as he called for an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to Michael Flynn stepping down as President Trump’s national security adviser this week.

Flynn misled Vice President Pence and the public about the nature of his calls with the Russian ambassador in late December, which he initially said didn’t include discussions about possibly lifting sanctions issued by the Obama administration in response to the Kremlin’s attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Law enforcement agencies intercepted Flynn’s conversations during routine surveillance of the Russian ambassador. Trump’s White House counsel was told by then-acting Attorney General Sally Yates last month that Flynn might be vulnerable to Russian blackmail. But Flynn’s resignation didn’t come until after The Washington Post reported on Yates’s warning Monday night.

During a press conference on Thursday, Trump didn’t definitively rule out the possibility that his campaign advisers had been in contact with Russian operatives. But he maintained that he personally doesn't have ties to Russia.

“I had nothing to do with it. I have nothing to do with Russia. I told you, I have no deals there, I have no anything,” Trump said. He said he wasn't aware of any aides having improper conversations with Russian officials.

Republicans in the House and Senate have so far declined to take up a separate probe of Flynn. The Intelligence committees in both chambers are already investigating Russia’s attempts to influence the election, which includes campaign communications with the Russian government.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz Jason ChaffetzThe myth of the conservative bestseller Elijah Cummings, Democratic chairman and powerful Trump critic, dies at 68 House Oversight panel demands DeVos turn over personal email records MORE (R-Utah) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte Robert (Bob) William GoodlatteNo documents? Hoping for legalization? Be wary of Joe Biden Press: Trump's final presidential pardon: himself USCIS chief Cuccinelli blames Paul Ryan for immigration inaction MORE (R-Va.) asked the Justice Department inspector general on Wednesday to investigate the intelligence leaks that led to Flynn’s departure.

Democrats say that isn’t enough.

“For all their talk of national security, Republicans are giving President Trump a pass,” Payne said.