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Democrat Jeff Van Drew, against the removal of the president, could join the Republicans. ALEX WONG / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

In the United States, as the House of Representatives prepares to vote for the removal of Donald Trump, the Democrats could lose one of their own, Jeff Van Drew. He could vote against and even be ready to join the Republican party.

From our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

Jeff Van Drew has never hidden his opposition to the removal procedure . Elected from New Jersey, he had already voted against the investigation two months ago. Last week, he confided " to see nothing in this affair which justifies to dismiss the president of his functions ".

Electoral calculations

Jeff Van Drew even met this weekend with advisers to Donald Trump to obtain the President's approval to join the Republican party, according to American media and some of his relatives.

This decision would be due to electoral calculations. Jeff Van Drew is elected from New Jersey, a state where Donald Trump is very popular. Voting for the removal of the president could cost Jeff Van Drew his re-election. If this defection is confirmed, it would be a blow for Nancy Pelosi , the leader of the Democrats who wishes to display a united front.

Thank you for your honesty Jeff. All of the Democrats know you are right, but unlike you, they don't have the “guts” to say so! https://t.co/OUc46HUwPq

Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2019

On Twitter, Donald Trump welcomes him. The American president is counting on this rebound to slightly overshadow the vote scheduled in the House of Representatives this week. Jeff Van Drew's change of affiliation could be announced just before, or just after the vote.

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