After my post yesterday, I figured I should try to make the decision easier for Speaker Pelosi in proceeding down the path toward impeachment of Trump. Here is a draft of some Articles of Impeachment – just 3 – that they should feel free to use in their process. I’m borrowing these from the Articles of Impeachment against President Nixon – just 3. To be honest, though, I’m betting Congressman Nadler has already gone farther down this path and had a draft saved on his computer as we speak.
- ARTICLE I, OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICEIn his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States, and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has prevented, obstructed and impeded the administration of justice, in that:
[Insert Mueller Report specifics on obstruction here]
Wherefore Donald J. Trump, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.
- ARTICLE II, ABUSE OF POWER
Using the powers of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of his ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in disregard of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has repeatedly engaged in conduct violating the constitutional rights of citizens, impairing the due and proper administration of justice in the conduct of lawful inquiries, of contravening the law of governing agencies of the executive branch and the purposes of these agencies.
[Insert details of trying to get a foreign power to help him get elected and reelected, i.e. the Russia and Ukraine scandals]
Wherefore Donald J. Trump, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.
- ARTICLE III, DEFIANCE OF SUBPOENAS
In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, contrary to his oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has failed without lawful cause or excuse to produce papers and things as directed by duly authorized subpoenas issued by the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on …, and willfully disobeyed such subpoenas.
In all of this, Donald J. Trump has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald J. Trump, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.