Trump asking Congress for symbolic expunging of his two impeachments
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump is urging Republicans in Congress to pass a symbolic resolution to nullify his two impeachments, seeking to claim a political victory over what he views as unjust proceedings during his first term.
- Trump was impeached twice: first in 2019 for allegedly abusing power related to Ukraine, and second in 2021 for inciting the Capitol attack; he was acquitted both times by the Senate.
- Constitutional experts note that the US Constitution provides no mechanism to reverse or erase impeachments, making any resolution purely symbolic with no legal effect.
- Critics, including Democrats and some commentators, argue that revisiting the impeachments risks reviving damaging allegations ahead of the 2024 midterm elections, potentially harming Republicans politically.
- White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the effort as a response to what they call partisan attacks by Democrats, emphasizing that Trump remains focused on serving the American people.