Gaetz: Some lawmakers reviewed transcript at White House

Rep. Matt GaetzMatthew (Matt) GaetzGOP, Trump look to smother impeachment inquiry GOP lawmaker: 'Chairman Schiff is acting like a malicious Captain Kangaroo' Gaetz: Some lawmakers reviewed transcript at White House MORE (R-Fla.) said he and a group of lawmakers reviewed and spoke with President TrumpDonald John TrumpWHCA calls on Trump to denounce video depicting him shooting media outlets Video of fake Trump shooting members of media shown at his Miami resort: report Trump hits Fox News's Chris Wallace over Ukraine coverage MORE about the memo of his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House Wednesday.

"I've had the chance to review the transcripts and chat with the president about them," Gaetz told MSNBC's Hallie Jackson.

Gaetz and other Republicans got early peek at the WH call memo this morning with Trump pic.twitter.com/evMGaZXpCH

— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) September 25, 2019

When pressed by Jackson about who attended the White House meeting and whether the group included Republicans or Democrats, Florida representative said it was "a group of legislators." 

"I didn't check anybody's voter registration card," Gaetz said.

Separately, Sen. Ron JohnsonRonald (Ron) Harold JohnsonBipartisan senators want federal plan for sharing more info on supply chain threats House Democrats subpoena Rick Perry in impeachment inquiry Trump faces growing GOP revolt on Syria MORE (Wis.) said he was also in the group of Republican lawmakers who got to review the memo at White House. 

Johnson said identified other Republican lawmakers who were also present as Sens. Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore CapitoGaetz: Some lawmakers reviewed transcript at White House On The Money: Trump takes aim at China in UN address | Consumer confidence fell as trade tensions rose | Senate proposes billion for Trump border wall Senate proposes billion for Trump border wall MORE (W.Va.), David Perdue (Ga.), Kevin CramerKevin John CramerWhite House officials stand by Syria withdrawal, sanctions delay amid bipartisan pushback Sunday shows — Officials rush to Trump's defense on Syria, sanctions GOP senator defends Trump's decision on Syria MORE (N.D.), James Risch (Idaho), as well as Reps. Devin NunesDevin Gerald NunesA Republican Watergate veteran's perspective on a Trump impeachment Meet the lawyer at center of whistleblower case: 'It is an everyday adventure' Intelligence watchdog huddles with members as impeachment push grows MORE (Cali.), Jim JordanJames (Jim) Daniel JordanA Republican Watergate veteran's perspective on a Trump impeachment In testimony, Dems see an ambassador scorned, while GOP defends Trump Ex-Ukraine ambassador arrives to give testimony MORE (Ohio), Mark MeadowsMark Randall MeadowsEx-Ukraine ambassador arrives to give testimony GOP seeks to gain more control of impeachment narrative Conservative lawmakers demand Schiff's recusal from Trump impeachment inquiry MORE (N.C.), and Doug CollinsDouglas (Doug) Allen CollinsUS, UK sign agreement allowing British authorities to quickly obtain data from tech giants Joe Lieberman's son running for Senate in Georgia GOP rep: Pelosi would allow floor vote if this were a 'true' impeachment inquiry MORE (Ga.).

The representative defended the president saying no wrongdoing was committed in the phone call, in which he said the presidents commended each other for fighting corruption.

"The bottom line here is: In this transcript there's no quid pro quo, there's no improper leverage and the overall tone of this transcript is that it's mutually laudatory," he said. 

The White House released a memorandum of the phone conversation between Trump and Zelensky Wednesday after mounting pressure from Democrats.

The release confirmed previous reports of the call that said the president asked Zelensky to "look into" former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump hits Fox News's Chris Wallace over Ukraine coverage Schiff: Whistleblower testimony might not be necessary Trump warns Democrats will lose House seats over impeachment MORE after withholding military aid from the country days earlier. This exchange has provoked debates over whether Trump offered a quid pro quo to the Ukrainian president.

The call came to Congress's attention after the Trump administration refused to provide the House Intelligence Committee with a whistleblower report on the conversation that was subpoenaed. Media reports soon revealed the whistleblower report referred to this conversation. 

Several Democratic House members have voiced their support for an impeachment inquiry following news of the conversation, which House Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiBiden on impeachment: 'I'm the only reason' it's happening Democrats to offer resolution demanding Trump reverse Syria decision Rand Paul calls for probe of Democrats over Ukraine letter MORE (D-Calif.) announced Tuesday.

-- Updated at 2:38 p.m.