Impeachment Campaign Against Donald Trump Intensifies
By Jake Beardslee ·
January 25, 2025
As Donald Trump begins his second term as President of the United States, impeachment efforts have reignited, driven by concerns over his alleged actions and their implications for American democracy. The non-partisan group Free Speech For People, spearheading the “Impeach Trump. Again” campaign, claims that Trump’s presidency represents an "unprecedented threat to democracy." This organization claims there have been multiple constitutional violations, with a particular focus on the 14th Amendment, which bars individuals involved in insurrection from holding public office. The Trump White House / Wikimedia
The 14th Amendment argument stems from Trump’s alleged role in the January 6 Capitol riots. While Trump has pleaded not guilty to all related charges, and the Supreme Court has ruled that former presidents enjoy broad immunity from prosecution for actions considered part of their official duties, the group contends that his involvement meets the criteria for disqualification. The Supreme Court’s decision has effectively halted legal proceedings tied to January 6, but critics argue this does not absolve Trump of responsibility. PD-US / Wikimedia
In addition to the allegations of insurrection, Free Speech For People accuses Trump of violating the emoluments clauses of the Constitution, which prohibit federal officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments. According to the group, Trump retained financial interests in the Trump Organization during his presidency, benefiting from foreign governments renting units in Trump World Tower. The organization alleges that at least five foreign governments paid a combined $2 million per month, a direct violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause. The Trump Organization / Wikimedia
The Trump Organization previously stated that daily management of Trump’s business empire was handed over to his children during his presidency, but critics argue this arrangement did not eliminate potential conflicts of interest. These financial entanglements, they claim, raise ethical concerns about the extent to which Trump used his office for personal gain. DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White / Wikimedia
The “Impeach Trump. Again” campaign has also accused Trump of campaign finance violations, such as offering tax and regulatory benefits to oil and gas executives in exchange for $1 billion in contributions, coordinating with super PACs, and concealing payments for legal services. The group also alleges that Trump threatened violence against political opponents, journalists, and even a U.S. military commander. The Trump White House / Wikimedia
Trump was previously impeached twice during his first term. In 2019, he faced charges of pressuring Ukraine to investigate then-candidate Joe Biden. In January 2021, the Democrat-controlled House impeached him again for incitement of insurrection related to the January 6 riots. However, the Senate acquitted Trump in both cases. United States House of Representatives / Wikimedia
Impeaching and removing a president requires significant bipartisan support, which is currently lacking. Republicans control both the House and the Senate, making a third impeachment highly improbable. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon issued a warning during a November episode of his War Room podcast, suggesting that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, would spearhead efforts to impeach Donald Trump if Democrats regain control of the House after the 2026 midterms.
“Hakeem Jeffries could be, will be, the speaker of the House in two years,” Bannon stated. “And the first thing he will do in the early days of 2027 is move to impeach Donald Trump. Trust me. They’re gonna put $10 billion in back of him. They have nobody else.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
John Bonifaz, president of Free Speech For People, emphasized the stakes of Trump’s second term, stating, "Trump's return to the White House poses an unprecedented threat to our democracy. During his campaign and in the months before his inauguration, Donald Trump engaged in unlawful, unconstitutional conduct and threatened more. He has once more positioned himself to abuse the office for personal profit and power in violation of clear constitutional commands." freespeechforpeople.org
Despite the advocacy group’s efforts, the current political landscape significantly limits the likelihood of impeachment proceedings. However, as Trump’s second term unfolds, his actions will remain under intense scrutiny, with ongoing debates about the balance between accountability and partisanship. The Trump White House / Wikimedia
