Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) has announced plans to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump just two weeks into his second term. While the effort is unlikely to succeed, it signals an attempt by progressive Democrats to revive anti-Trump opposition. Green cited Trump’s controversial remarks about the U.S. “taking over” Gaza as justification for impeachment, condemning them as a serious matter. Known for his past impeachment attempts, Green previously forced a vote in 2017 with little support. Senior Democrats have dismissed his move, indicating it lacks broader party backing. The White House has not commented on the development.
In the United States, impeachment is the constitutional process to remove a president for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Process:
- House Stage
- House of Representatives initiates proceedings
- Judiciary Committee conducts investigation
- Simple majority vote needed to impeach
- If passed, President is “impeached” but remains in office
- Senate Stage
- Senate conducts trial
- Chief Justice presides
- Two-thirds majority (67 Senators) needed to convict and remove
- If convicted, immediate removal from office
Historical Cases:
- Andrew Johnson (1868)
- Impeached for violating Tenure of Office Act
- Acquitted by one vote in Senate
- Richard Nixon (1974)
- Faced impeachment over Watergate scandal
- Resigned before House vote
- Bill Clinton (1998)
- Impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice
- Acquitted by Senate
- Donald Trump
- First impeachment (2019): Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress
- Second impeachment (2021): Incitement of insurrection
- Acquitted by Senate both times
