This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
On December 18, 2019, the Democratic-led House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to impeach President Donald Trump, marking a historic moment in US politics.
However, the impeachment process does not automatically result in the removal of a president from office. The Senate will now determine Trump's fate in a likely January trial.
Reasons Behind Impeachment ¶
Trump has been accused of abusing his power and obstructing Congress during the impeachment investigation.
The Democrats alleged that Trump pressured Ukraine to open an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, and that he obstructed their investigation by refusing to comply with subpoenas and directing his administration to do the same.
Next Steps ¶
The US Senate will receive the articles of impeachment and consider evidence, hear witnesses, and vote to acquit or convict the president.
Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the trial, and a two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president from office.
With 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and two independents in the Senate, a conviction appears unlikely, as at least 20 Republicans would need to vote with all Democrats and the two independents to remove the president from office.
What's at Stake ¶
If the Senate convicts and removes Trump from office, Vice President Mike Pence would become president and complete Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021.
