What Happened to Impeachment?

Impeachment is a constitutional procedure allowing a legislative body to formally charge a public official with misconduct in office, potentially leading to their removal. Originating in 14th-century England, the concept was adopted by the framers of the U.S. Constitution as a fundamental component of the system of 'checks and balances' to hold public officials accountable for 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.' The process typically involves the lower legislative chamber (e.g., the U.S. House of Representatives) approving articles of impeachment by a simple majority, followed by a trial in the upper chamber (e.g., the U.S. Senate), where a two-thirds majority vote is usually required for conviction and removal from office.

In U.S. history, three presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives: Andrew Johnson (1868), Bill Clinton (1998), and Donald Trump (2019 and 2021). All three were acquitted by the Senate and remained in office. Beyond presidents, 15 federal judges have been impeached, with eight ultimately convicted and removed. The reasons for impeachment attempts often stem from significant political disagreements, alleged abuses of power, or perceived threats to democratic institutions, making the process inherently political as well as legal.

The early 2020s have seen a continuation of impeachment as a prominent political tool, both within the United States and internationally. Former President Donald Trump faced two impeachments during his presidency, one in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine and another in 2021 following the January 6th Capitol attack. Both resulted in acquittal by the Senate. Even after his presidency, calls and attempts for his impeachment persisted. In April and May 2025, articles of impeachment were introduced against him by Representatives Shri Thanedar and Al Green, though these motions were largely condemned or tabled by the House. In December 2025, a resolution to impeach Trump, forced by Rep. Al Green, was tabled by the House, though 140 members voted to advance the articles. As of July 2026, Senator Ed Markey publicly called for Trump's impeachment following a speech on election integrity. Speculation continues into August 2026 regarding potential renewed impeachment efforts against Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance should Democrats secure a majority in the 2026 midterm elections, highlighting the enduring weaponization of the process in a deeply divided political landscape.

Beyond presidential actions, the impeachment of federal judges remains a point of contention. In January 2026, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a renewed push to impeach federal judges James Boasberg and Deborah Boardman, with Republicans alleging abuse of power. Additionally, in June 2026, an impeachment was sought against another federal judge for alleged misconduct. Internationally, the impeachment process has also been active. South Korea's National Assembly impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024, leading to his removal by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. Peru's Congress impeached and removed President Dina Boluarte in October 2025, and Madagascar's National Assembly similarly removed President Andry Rajoelina in October 2025. In the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte faced impeachment attempts in 2025, which were blocked by the Supreme Court, though discussions and legal maneuvering continued into August 2026. South Africa also halted impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2026. These events underscore that impeachment, while a rare and serious constitutional measure, continues to be a relevant and frequently invoked mechanism for political accountability worldwide.