Sign up for our newsletter.

Quality journalism. Progressive values. Direct to your inbox.

Follow us:

THIS ISN’T A PAYWALL

Common Dreams will never be locked behind a paywall because we believe our journalism should remain freely available to everyone ― not just those who can afford to pay. By becoming a sustaining monthly donor today, you can help make sure our work remains free for those who aren't able to chip in.

To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) ackowledged that the introduction on Wednesday is only the beginning of what should be a long and thoughtful process in Congress, but one he said was necessary "to protect our country from abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and impulsive, ignorant incompetence."​

Article of Impeachment Introduced Against President Donald Trump

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) formally submits resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives

Jon Queally

This is a developing story and may be updated...

An Article of Impeachment against President Donald Trump was officially introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.

"The Constitution does not provide for the removal of a President for impulsive, ignorant incompetence.  It does provide for the removal of a President for High Crimes and Misdemeanors."
—Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.)The resolution (pdf), submitted by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and backed by Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), specifically cites alleged "obstruction of justice" by Trump as a potential "high crime and misdemeanor" that could be grounds for the president's removal from office.

"Recent disclosures by Donald Trump Jr. indicate that Trump's campaign was eager to receive assistance from Russia," said Sherman in a statement announcing his decision. "It now seems likely that the President had something to hide when he tried to curtail the investigation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and the wider Russian probe. I believe his conversations with, and subsequent firing of, FBI Director James Comey constitute Obstruction of Justice."

"Every day Democrats, Republicans, and the entire world are shocked by the latest example of America's amateur President," said Sherman. "Ignorance accompanied by a refusal to learn.  Lack of impulse control, accompanied by a refusal to have his staff control his impulses. We’re no longer surprised by any action, no matter how far below the dignity of the office—and no matter how dangerous to the country."

He added, "But the Constitution does not provide for the removal of a President for impulsive, ignorant incompetence.  It does provide for the removal of a President for High Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Sherman ackowledged that the introduction on Wednesday is only the beginning of what should be a long and thoughtful process in Congress, but one he said was necessary "to protect our country from abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and impulsive, ignorant incompetence."​

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
Comments

We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.

To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.

Latest News

See all
IRA Pelosi Hoyer

Because Climate Science 'Does Not Grade on a Curve,' Experts Says IRA Not Enough

"There is an urgent need for much more aggressive and far-reaching measures to prevent climate chaos," said the head of one progressive consumer advocacy group.

Brett Wilkins ·

Rep. Pramila Jayapal speaks at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol

'Game-Changer and Reason for Hope': House Passes Inflation Reduction Act

"We've got more to do," Rep. Pramila Jayapal said on the House floor. "But today, let's celebrate this massive investment for the people."

Jake Johnson ·

Former President Donald Trump shushes reporters

'This Is Insane': Search Warrant Indicates FBI Investigating Trump for Espionage Act Violation

"If you're not fed up," said watchdog group Public Citizen, "you're not paying enough attention."

Jessica Corbett ·

Joe Biden

Anti-War Veterans Group Asks Biden to 'Read Our Nuclear Posture Review Before Releasing Yours'

"Are you willing to risk a civilization-ending apocalypse by playing nuclear chicken with other nuclear-armed nations? Or will you lead us toward a planet that is free of nuclear weapons?"

Jessica Corbett ·

A truck loaded with coal is viewed at the Eagle Butte Coal Mine, which is operated by Alpha Coal, on May 8, 2017 in Gillette, Wyoming.

'Big Win' for Public Lands and Climate as US Judge Reinstates Coal Lease Ban

"It's past time that this misguided action by the Trump administration is overturned," said one environmental campaigner.

Brett Wilkins ·

Common Dreams Logo

To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.