Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
H. Res. 537, introduced in the 119th Congress, is a House of Representatives resolution that impeaches Donald J. Trump, then-President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. The resolution exhibits one article of impeachment (Article I) accusing Trump of abusing presidential powers by disregarding the separation of powers and usurping Congress’s war-declaration authority by ordering military action against Iran without constitutionally required authorization or notice to Congress. The article argues that such unilateral military action, conducted without an imminent U.S. threat and without proper briefing to Congress, degrades democratic governance and endangers the nation by devolving power to the executive branch. Procedurally, the resolution was submitted by Rep. Green of Texas, referred to the Judiciary Committee, and then laid on the table in the House. This means, as of the stated date, it was shelved and not advanced to consideration on the House floor or toward the Senate. In general impeachment proceedings, a House resolution can create or formalize impeachment charges, but removal would require a trial and a two-thirds conviction in the Senate.
Key Points
- 1Impeachment proposition: The resolution claims Donald J. Trump is impeachable for high crimes and misdemeanors, presenting Article I as the basis for impeachment.
- 2Article I — abuse of power and separation of powers: The article alleges Trump violated the oath to faithfully execute laws and the duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution by eroding separation of powers and attempting to override Congress’s war-declaration authority.
- 3War powers and unilateral military action: It asserts Trump ordered attacks on Iran (on sites Fordow, Natanz, and Estahan) without the constitutionally required authorization from Congress and without proper notice, violating the War Powers Clause and undermining congressional oversight.
- 4Factual context cited: The text references June 12, 2025 (Israel’s attack on Iran) and a subsequent June 21, 2025 announcement of American strikes, emphasizing that there was no imminent threat to the United States and that Congress was not adequately briefed.
- 5Procedural status and limitations: The bill was introduced, referred to the Judiciary Committee, and laid on the table in the House. As a House resolution, it does not by itself remove the President; removal would require a Senate trial and a two-thirds vote to convict.