Donald Trump Impeached Over Ukraine Approach

President Donald Trump has been impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, only the third time in history a president has been charged and faced removal by the Senate.

As had been expected the votes on the two articles of impeachment mostly fell along party lines, with just two Democrats voting against both articles and no Republicans voting in favor of them.

The first of the two articles accuses President Trump of soliciting electoral assistance from Ukraine by asking for investigations to be launched into his political rivals, discrediting them in the process. This passed by 230 votes to 197. On the second charge of obstructing congress, a third Democrat also broke party lines and voted in opposition, meaning the vote passed by 229 to 198.

Today’s events mean a trial will be held early next year in the Senate, deciding whether whether the president is guilty of the charges and should be removed from office. Considering the Senate is currently Republican-controlled it is highly likely that the president will be acquitted.

Whist acquittal may be likely, Democrats felt obliged to push forward with impeachment proceedings as a matter of principle and in defense of democracy.

“Over the course of the last three months, we have found incontrovertible evidence that President Trump abused his power by pressuring the newly elected president of Ukraine to announce an investigation into President Trump’s political rival,” said Democrat Representative Adam B. Schiff, who led the impeachment inquiry.

“The president and his men plot on,” he continued. “The danger persists. The risk is real. Our democracy is at peril.”

President Trump responded to the drama playing out in typical style.

“SUCH ATROCIOUS LIES BY THE RADICAL LEFT, DO NOTHING DEMOCRATS. THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON AMERICA, AND AN ASSAULT ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!!” the president tweeted, as proceedings to decide his fate were ongoing.