Trump Backs Push to Void His First-Term Impeachments

US President Donald Trump and his allies are pushing lawmakers to pass a resolution aimed at voiding the two impeachments from his first term, a White House official said on Thursday, confirming a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Trump was impeached twice by the US House of Representatives during his first four years in office. The first case alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and ended with his acquittal in early 2020. The second accused him of incitement of insurrection over the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

He was not removed from office in either case. His anger over the impeachments later helped fuel his 2024 presidential campaign, in which he defeated Democrat Kamala Harris.

The Journal said the resolution would allow Trump to claim a symbolic victory on an issue that has dogged him since his first term, but would have little legal significance because the US Constitution provides no procedure for undoing an impeachment.

White House officials have strongly urged progress on the matter, the official told reporters.

“It’s no surprise that sane individuals are recognizing these sham efforts and are interested in undoing those shameful actions”, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said when asked for comment.

(reuters, bak)