A Democratic member of the House of Representatives has revealed a proposed article of impeachment against President following his actions involving investigation into members of his Cabinet involving suspected connections with Russia. This proposal was unveiled yesterday.
Brad Sherman, a Democratic Congressman from California has proposed an article of impeachment which claims that “Trump has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President”.
Brad Sherman, the Democrat from the House of Representatives bringing an action against President Trump
At this current time Sherman’s proposed article of impeachment is the only one; however Texan Democratic Congressman Al Green is working on producing multiple articles of impeachment.
Andrew Johnson faced 11 articles of impeachment in 1868, and Bill Clinton faced 2 articles of impeachment in 1998. This means at the moment Trump faces fewer articles of impeachment than other Presidents.
Sherman’s claim is based upon Trump’s actions involving James Comey’s investigation into members of his Cabinet concerning ties with Russia. Jeff Sessions is currently facing scrutiny by the Senate Intelligence Committee after Comey suggested last week that Sessions may have had a meeting with a Russian official which he has not admitted to.
Trump has made clear his opposition to Comey’s investigation into Sessions. Comey claims that in February, Trump said in regards to his investigation: “I hope you can let this go”. This suggests Trump tried to influence Comey; which would be unconstitutional.
Trump has faced further scrutiny over the Comey issue when he fired Comey as Director of the FBI. Republican Senator John McCain has described Comey “as a man of honour and integrity”.
Trump was under investigation at the time of the firing. The last President to fire someone investigating them was Richard Nixon. Richard Nixon resigned rather than face impeachment.
While Sessions may currently be under investigation; Trump is not. Trump’s Cabinet nominations are under investigation, dirtying him politically. Trump’s Cabinet were approved by the Senate under the guidance of Mitch McConnell. This means McConnell and the Senate Republicans hold some of the blame for the appointment of the likes of Sessions.
Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul has claimed that the continued investigation into a potential Russian influence on the 2016 Presidential election is an example of “sour grapes”. Paul, talking about the investigation said: “I don’t think there’s anything there”.
Trump’s first Cabinet meeting as President has suggested he is somewhat shaken by current events. Yesterday Trump held a Cabinet meeting where he had every member praise him and his policy agenda. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus thanked Trump for the opportunity to serve Trump.
In his first Cabinet meeting Trump claimed “Never has there been a president … who has done more things than what we’ve done”.
Currently none of the Democratic leadership have offered support for this impeachment attempt. For the impeachment process to progress the support of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer is essential. Even with this support the Republicans can still shut down the impeachment process.
If the House Judiciary Committee refuses to see the article of impeachment Sherman will use special procedures to force a vote. This would mean all 435 Representatives would vote on the issue.