Former President Donald Trump is urging Congress to void his two impeachments, framing them as 'phony attacks' by Democrats. The White House has called for a resolution to expunge the records, arguing the impeachments were politically motivated. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has expressed support for the effort, which was introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) in April with 23 GOP co-sponsors.
Core Facts & Developments
- Trump and his allies are pushing for a resolution to symbolically erase his two impeachments from his record.
- The House, now controlled by Republicans, is considering the measure, though progress is unlikely before the midterm elections.
Deeper Context & Perspectives
Background on Impeachments
- The first impeachment in December 2019 stemmed from allegations that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden during his 2020 campaign.
- The second impeachment in January 2021 followed the January 6 Capitol riot, with charges of incitement of insurrection.
- The Senate declined to convict Trump in both cases, leaving the impeachments on his record.
Political Reactions
- White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson called the impeachments 'sham efforts' and 'hyperpartisan attack jobs.'
- Speaker Johnson argued the impeachments were 'rigged' and 'sham,' citing new evidence supporting their expulsion.
- Democrats have not publicly responded to the latest push, but historically defended the impeachments as justified.
Legal and Symbolic Implications
- The resolution, if passed, would have no legal effect but would carry symbolic weight for Trump's legacy.
- The move aligns with broader GOP efforts to rewrite historical narratives around Trump's presidency.
- Some legal experts argue expungement could set a precedent for future impeachment proceedings.