Washington (CNN) Former President Bill Clinton on Thursday said the House Democrats' impeachment probe should not prevent President Donald Trump from working with Democrats on issues such as gun control.

His comments came hours after a deadly shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. He told CNN's Jake Tapper on "The Lead" that it is an opportunity for Trump and Congress to work together. Trump has asserted that he cannot work with Democrats while the impeachment inquiry is taking place

"Look, you got hired to do a job. You don't get to -- every day's an opportunity to make something good happen," Clinton said. "And I would say, 'I've got lawyers and staff people handling this impeachment inquiry and they should just have at it. Meanwhile, I'm going to work for the American people.' That's what I would do."

Clinton's message to Trump is not the first time the current President has been advised to stay focused on his presidential obligations instead of focusing on impeachment proceedings.

A number of Republican senators, led by Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, have told Trump to follow Clinton's approach, according to officials. They believe Trump is doing himself a disservice by constantly focusing on impeachment rather than attempting to rise above it.

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