Donald Trump’s presidency has been a roller coaster ride since the beginning. From his border wall to immigration, from brash comments to his uncontrollable tweets, there has always been something to talk about. Now though, Trump is in the middle of an impeachment inquiry that could lead him to be abdicated from office.
Trump has already been chosen as the Republican nominee to run for a second term and this drive against him as put everything in jeopardy. If you have been out of the touch with the news, here is a roundup of what the inquiry is about and what might happen in the coming months.
The Impeachment Story in 100 Words
Trump landed himself in hot water when it was revealed that in July, he had threatened to stop US aid to Ukraine unless the country agreed to investigate one of his rivals in the upcoming election. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi initiated the proceedings against the Commander-in-Chief citing the fact that he had overstepped his authority.
Trump’s actions fall under one of the offences that can lead to the impeachment of the President under the American constitution. The White House refused to collaborate with the impeachment proceedings being carried in the lower house. As a result, many current and former government employees had to be subpoenaed to testify before the committee.
The House Committee Hearings
The Democratic committee constituted by House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi continues to hold in-camera sessions every day. A whistleblower report is at the base of the whole saga unfolding in Washington at the moment.
So far, Trump’s top envoy to Ukraine William Taylor, White House administration official Fiona Hill, Pentagon’s top official overseeing US policy regarding Ukraine has all testified and corroborated the story that the President indeed threaten to block US aid until investigations were opened into the public dealings of Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden and other aspects too.
The onus of the entire episode was to help provide crucial evidence that would pave the way for Trump to win the 2020 election.
Republican Outrage
Although more than two dozen representatives from the government as well as a number of other high-ranking officials have recorded statements acknowledging Trump’s actions, Republicans continue to defend the President on every stage.
In one of the recent developments, a group of Republicans stormed a secure hearing which forced the witness to delay her testimony by more than five hours. The protest continued amid the President tweeting that the impeachment inquiry was like a ‘lynching’ attempt against him.
The Realistic Outcome
The hearings may be going at a rapid pace with many witnesses coming out to support wrongdoings, political and legal experts still hold the view that impeachment of Trump is still a long haul. Each witness and their statements provide the committee and its members with a new angle to investigate.
With the White House’s refusal to work with the lower house and an eventual impeachment legislation having to pass the Senate, which is controlled by the Republicans, the removal of the President from office is a far-fetched dream.
Also Read: Democracy or Dictatorship: What’s Best for the People?
