The US House of Representatives voted 232-196 in favour of starting the procedures for impeaching sitting US President Donald Trump. The vote was majorly along party lines with the Democrat controlled House voting overwhelmingly against the Republican president.
Crux of the Matter
After Trump’s victory in 2016 presidential elections there were serious allegations about his colluding with Russia to interfere with the election process. Over the last 3 years multiple investigations have landed many of Trump’s staffers in trouble but none of them could point directly to Trump’s involvement beyond reasonable doubt.
With the next elections coming up in 2020, there have been allegations that Trump had tried to abuse his position to strongarm Ukraine into giving compromising information on Joe Biden, a serious potential Democrat presidential candidate.
Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi said, “It isn’t about partisanship, it’s about patriotism.” Trump responded with a tweet saying, “The Greatest Witch Hunt In American History!”
The vote established the rules for open hearings on the impeachment proceedings. If impeached, Trump’s removal would have to be ratified by the US Senate, which is controlled by Trump’s party, Republicans.
Previously 2 US presidents have been impeached, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, although none of them was convicted by the Senate.
Curiopedia
Russian Involvement in 2016 US Presidential Elections – The Russian government interfered in the elections with the goal of harming the campaign of Hillary Clinton, boosting the candidacy of Donald Trump, and increasing political and social discord in the United States. Fabricated articles and disinformation were spread from Russian government-controlled media, and promoted on social media. Additionally, computer hackers affiliated with the Russian military intelligence service (GRU) infiltrated information systems of the Democrats. Several individuals connected to Russia contacted various Trump campaign associates, offering business opportunities to the Trump Organization and damaging information on Clinton. Russian government officials have denied involvement in any of the hacks or leaks. Russian interference activities triggered a direct warning by then-U.S. President Barack Obama to Russian President Vladimir Putin, renewed economic sanctions against Russia and investigation by the Senate and House Intelligence Committees. Trump denied that the interference occurred, contending that it was a “hoax” perpetrated by Democrats to explain Clinton’s loss. He dismissed FBI Director James Comey in part over his investigation of Russian meddling. More Info
Curated Coverage
Livemint – US House approves procedure to impeach President Donald Trump
CNN – Impeachment vote results: House votes to formalize impeachment inquiry procedures
The Guardian – Pelosi bangs the gavel: House votes to endorse Trump impeachment inquiry
CNA – US House formalises Trump impeachment process in landmark vote
Comments