“Today we will make history. When the managers walk down the hall, we will cross a threshold in history-delivering articles of impeachment against the president of the United States for abuse of power and obstruction of the House,” said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Impeachment, Defined:

In early December of 2019, a formal impeachment inquiry was issued by the House of Representatives about President Donald Trump’s relations regarding investigations with Ukraine. The inquiry was issued under mass-speculation that Trump had abetted the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in getting compromised information regarding Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s son (the Democratic opposition nominee that was leading the polls). Hunter was working for an energy company in Ukraine during the Obama administration when his father was serving as Vice President. Members of the House compiled evidence of $400 million in military aid being withheld against Zelensky unless scurrilous information about Hunter Biden’s relations with the Ukrainian energy company would be released and issues of bargaining–a promised White House meeting for Zelensky. The House later announced investigative hearings against the president for abusing his power for his own political gain and compromising America’s national security. The manifestation was through the whistleblower, an anonymous member of intelligence, who announced a formal complaint about the situation regarding Ukraine. Through a transcribed recording, certain members of Congress were able to access the complaint and a series of impeachment trials soon began. On Dec. 18, Pelosi approved the articles of impeachment on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.

Although Trump was impeached by the House, he is not formally out of office because the Senate did not yet approve the inquiry. Since the House is based on population, more populous states have a larger amount of voices in their respective states. For example, states like New York and California, which are predominantly blue, have more of a say in this situation. The Senate, on the other hand, gives more of an equal voice because each state, regardless of size, have two senators representing them. The Senate is ruled by Republicans, who are more likely to side with Trump, who is also a Republican. Trump’s impeachment is the third in United States History to occur. Previous cases were with Andrew Johnson because of the Tenure of Office Act and Bill Clinton pertaining to his allegations with Monica Lewinsky.

The First Try at Impeachment: 

The Mueller Report was a series of detailed revelations by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The 450 page report highlighted an unsolicited and suspicious activity regarding Trump’s relations in the 2016 election. The first scandal during Trump’s presidency was early on, when many conspiracies formed regarding whether Russia was involved in Hillary Clinton downfall. The investigation recounted certain hacking targeting his Democratic candidate, Clinton. After months of speculation by the amount of outside sources involved in Trump’s presidential victory, fraudulent information, searching of tens upon thousands of emails, among others, Muller confirmed Trump did not commit obstruction of justice.

“I agree with Nancy because what he did was wrong and it jeopardizes our country,” said AP Government and Politics teacher Mr. Peter Harriot.

Make America Great Again Pt.2:

Mid June of 2019, Trump announced his re-election bid in Orlando along with his VP, Mike Pence contrary to his high disapproval ratings and several scandals. As an incumbent, with what his supporters believe is a significant advantage, Trump plans to further emphasize his policies: a huge tax cut for the wealthy, immigration, among others. 

The Future of 2020:

The Government Accountability Office, or the GAO explains that the White House broke the law. Although the GAO is very credible, many Grand Old Party senators are refusing to hold their statement accountable. 

“Faithful execution  of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law,” said the GAO.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican, will be dealing with the House managers prosecuting the case. Throughout this week, the Senate will come to a decision whether or not to convict the president or not. Four or more Senate Republicans will have to reject their conservative base and vote alongside the Democrats in order for the President to win. So, if and when the Senate’s trial rules in favor of the House (meaning they have a two-thirds majority vote), Trump will be officially removed from office. 

Later this week, the Senate will vote on the rules for Trump’s impeachment trial. The resolution is supposedly partisan, according to several news outlets including CNN. Many have predicted the trials in the Senate may possibly continue till the night, with several clashes between the two opposing parties. Tuesday morning, McConnell introduced his organizing resolution for the initial trial stages. 

As to what the Senate decides next week regarding the Ukrainian-probe, politics in 2020 have gotten significantly disgraceful. If a president, during his term, is sentenced, he or she will be formally issued out of their seat. Trump’s future in office seems unpredictable, with neither side having the upper hand.