In the entire history of the U.S. presidency, there have only been four presidents who have been impeached. Impeachment, defined by Oxford Languages as “a charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office”, is one of the most controversial and scandalous occurrences that can be brought against a public official, and has great power to influence public opinion and the ability for an individual to continue to serve, if completely seen through.
According to USAGov, the impeachment process begins through the House of Representatives. They are tasked with bringing charges (otherwise known as articles) against an official, which are then voted on by that governing body. If the House reaches a simple majority vote, the official has been impeached.
From this, the Senate holds a legal trial. If the impeached individual is a president, the sitting chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over the case.
If the impeached individual is found guilty, they are removed from office, and are unlikely to return to office for future terms. If they are found not guilty, they may resume their official duties, but may encounter a damaged reputation and decreased likelihood of running for office in the future.
Impeachable offenses include treason, bribery, and “other high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Former president Donald Trump is the only individual to have been impeached twice during his presidency, with the most recent impeachment occurring as a result of charges for “incitement of insurrection” following the attack on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6th, 2021.
Although Mr. Trump was successfully impeached and brought to trial in the Senate, he was acquitted of these charges. Since then, he has expressed interest in re-election for the presidential office with a stronghold of supporters in both the U.S. government and his political constituents for the Republican party.
It is historically unprecedented for the U.S. to consider a presidential candidate who has been impeached not only once, but twice. Based on the overwhelming evidence and the decision of the House of Representatives, the ability for an official who has caused undeniable harm to the country to be able to run again must be questioned. We must prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of the nation through disallowing and disavowing those who have abused the office before.
