On Friday, December 13th, the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump for “High Crimes and Misdemeanors”. On September 24th, 2019, the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi announces an impeachment inquiry against Trump after a phone call he had with the President of Ukraine where Trump allegedly requested negative information on a political rival, Joe Biden for the upcoming election. Three months later, the House Judiciary Committee produces the Articles of Impeachment.

Like many Legislative documents, the Articles of Impeachment are available for the general public to view online. They are also nine pages long, so instead of reading them, below is an abbreviation of the Articles of Impeachment:

Resolution

The House of Representatives has decided to Impeach President Donald Trump for High Crimes and Misdemeanors. The Impeachment process will now be brought to the Senate.

Article 1: Abuse of Power

A president can be removed from office and Impeached for Treason, Bribery or Other High Crimes and Misdemeanors. Using his presidential power, Donald Trump tried to get Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 presidential election by trying to get the Ukrainian government to publicly announce an investigation that would benefit him in his reelection and hurt the candidacy of Joe Biden. Trump also tried to pressure the Ukrainian government to mention Official acts of the U.S. government towards Ukraine in the investigation announcement. Donald Trump used his presidential power to benefit his political career and in doing so he compromised national security and undermined the Democratic process of the United States.

President Trump also suspended the order of  $391 million in taxpayer funds set aside by Congress to provide military assistance to Ukraine to oppose Russian aggression. Trump refused to give the funds to Ukraine unless they publicly announced investigation of political rival Joe Biden. He did eventually release the funds once his actions were revealed, but he persisted in doing so.

Article 2: Obstruction of Congress

Donald Trump has restricted subpoenas (a formal written order ordering a person to attend a court) issued by the House of Representatives for purposes of impeachment. The House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry required subpoenas from various Executive Branches, current/former government officials, cabinet members, etc. Without lawful cause or excuse, President Trump demanded those with a subpoena request not to comply with the House of Representatives.

President Trump abused power by:

1. Directing White House and other executives to defy lawful subpoenas
2. Directing current and former officials not to cooperate with Congressional Committees

President Trump’s conduct in office has proved that he will remain a threat to the country and the constitution if he stays in office. Thus, his actions warrant Impeachment.

Read the Articles of Impeachment: Full Articles of Impeacment