Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, of high crimes and misdemeanors.
This is a House resolution (H. Res. 415) introduced in the 119th Congress that formally impeaches Donald John Trump, the President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. The document presents a single Article of Impeachment alleging that Trump has devolved democracy into authoritarianism by acting as an authoritarian President and by violating his constitutional duties, including accountability to the Constitution and the separation of powers. The Article cites a series of events and statements—ranging from alleged contempt of court and defiance of court orders to actions related to immigration removals and public rhetoric against judges—to argue that Trump has betrayed the trust placed in him and threatens the democratic system. If the House approves, the matter would proceed to the Senate for trial and potential removal from office. The resolution frames impeachment as a constitutional remedy for actions that the authors say threaten the rule of law and the balance of governmental power. It relies on cited court orders, executive decisions, and public statements to illustrate alleged misconduct, and it emphasizes the importance of independence of the judiciary, due process, and adherence to court rulings. Because it is a House resolution and not a bill aimed at enacting new law, its immediate effect would be to initiate impeachment proceedings rather than to create new federal statutes.
Key Points
- 1Article I: The central charge is that Trump has devolved democracy in the United States into authoritarianism by acting as an authoritarian President, in violation of his oath to faithfully execute the laws and defend the Constitution.
- 2Constitutional framework cited: The text references the House’s constitutional role to impeach and the President’s removal power via impeachment, asserting that high crimes and misdemeanors justify removal.
- 3Specific conduct claimed: The Article points to alleged acts that undermine judicial independence, disregard for separation of powers, and failure to comply with federal court orders (including orders from the Supreme Court) as evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors.
- 4Due process and habeas/court-ordered actions: The document highlights alleged improper removals to foreign custody and noncompliance with judicial orders, arguing that such actions threaten due process and the rule of law.
- 5Public statements and rhetoric: The Article cites statements by Trump criticizing judges and inviting impeachment actions against judges, as part of the allegations that he endangers the judiciary and democratic norms.
- 6External court rulings referenced: The text recounts related court decisions and opinions (e.g., contempt findings, appellate court criticisms) to illustrate alleged misconduct and the risk to the constitutional order.
- 7Purpose and remedy: The resolution seeks to impeach, trial, and remove Trump from the Presidency as a remedy for the alleged high crimes and misdemeanors, reinforcing the role of impeachment as a constitutional safeguard.