Presidential Impeachment: A Contemporary Analysis

Abstract

Talk about impeaching President Donald Trump increases as the Democratic Party reclaims control of the House of representatives following the 2018 mid-term elections. The very next day Americans awake to learn of these developments and just hours later that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been fired, “replacing him with a loyalist who has echoed the president’s complaints about the special counsel investigation into Russia’s election interference and will now take charge of the inquiry.” As a Constitutional crisis looms large over the Trump Presidency, now is a good time to examine the history and role of impeachment in our constitutional system, how it works, and likely implication given what is now known about the Trump presidency. This Article proceeds in nine parts. First, is an examination of the Constitutional provision for impeachment. Second, is a look at the history of U.S. presidential impeachment proceedings in general. Third, a discussion about the impeachment proceedings of President Andrew Johnson is presented. Fourth, the unique situation in more recent history of Vice President Spiro Agnew is discussed. Fifth, President Richard Nixon and the impact of Watergate is offered. Sixth, the impact of President Bill Clinton’s impeachment is examined. Seventh, is a look at the mechanics of impeachment in a contemporary setting. Eighth, given facts now known, I look at the potential for President Donald Trump’s impeachment and removal, including arguments for nine currently identifiable impeachable offenses. And last, I conclude. I believe this Article comes at an important crossroads for the American democracy. The issues addressed here are timely and of profound importance to the United States, global community, and to the future of civilization. Seldom can these claims be made of a law review article.