This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
On Tuesday, Representative Jerry Nadler, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, published a formal House resolution seeking the impeachment of the 45th President of the United States, citing 'high crimes and misdemeanors.'
The resolution outlines two articles of impeachment: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The first article accuses President Trump of abusing his power by asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Democrat Joe Biden, his potential opponent in the 2020 presidential election.
According to the resolution, President Trump withheld $391 million in 'vital military and security assistance' to Ukraine and a White House meeting for Zelensky to secure an investigation into former Vice President Biden. The resolution states that Trump's actions were consistent with his 'previous invitations of foreign interference in United States elections.'
The second article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress, stems from President Trump's refusal to comply with various congressional subpoenas issued by House impeachment investigators.
Article II of the resolution states that President Trump has directed the 'unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives.' The resolution says Trump's defiance is unprecedented and has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government.
