The US House of Representatives has impeached President Trump. The House approved two articles of impeachment against the president, both along party lines. The president now faces a trial in the Senate where he could be removed if found guilty by a two-thirds majority.
Both articles were approved along party lines. The abuse of power charge passed 230 to 197, while the obstruction of Congress charge passed 229 to 198. No Republicans voted yes on either charge, while a handful of Democrats voted no. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard voted present on both charges.
The outcome of the vote did not come as a surprise after weeks of impeachment hearings. Democrats had built a damning case against the president, with key witnesses testifying publicly against the president. Polls show around 50% of American voters want the president impeached and removed.
This entire situation stems from a phone call this summer between President Trump and the newly elected president of Ukraine. In the call, President Trump urges President Zelensky to announce an investigation into former US Vice President Joe Biden, who is running for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.
As President Trump was asking for this favor, he had also ordered a hold on aid the US Congress had approved for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. President Trump also allegedly dangled a White House meeting in return for the favor. The aid was eventually given to Ukraine after a whistleblower reported the contents of the call to authorities, but not all of it.
Once members of Congress found out about the situation, they began an impeachment inquiry. President Trump ordered his administration not to comply with congressional subpoenas, a decision that is still being fought in courts. This decision led to the obstruction of Congress charges.
With the president formally impeached, he now faces a trial in the Senate. Republicans control the Senate, so he is not expected to be removed from office. It would take 67 votes to convict him.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi threw a curveball after the vote, signaling she may not send the articles of impeachment for a trial in the Senate until the upper chamber agreed to a fair trial. Several prominent Republicans, including majority leader Mitch McConnell, have indicated they want a quick trial with no witnesses called. They have also said they were not impartial, which would go against the oath they take as jurors in impeachment.
Ultimately, the president is highly unlikely to be removed from office, but he will take a hit politically. Many point towards Bill Clinton’s impeachment sinking Al Gore’s presidential aspirations. Though President Clinton left office with high approval ratings, there was a “Clinton fatigue” that carried over to his Vice President. After a scandal-plagued first term, President Trump could share the same fate.