Facing charges of “incitement of insurrection,” President Donald Trump has been impeached in the House of Representatives for a second time. The vote ended 232 in favor to 197 against. Ten Republicans crossed party lines to vote in favor. It was the first time in U.S. history a president has been impeached twice.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said during her time on the floor that, “He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love.”
Because of enhanced pandemic and security protocol, there were very few members of the press on the House floor. Dozens of members who would have been in attendance were absent because of COVID-19 quarantine requirements.
Several high-profile Republicans have indicated that they will vote in favor of impeachment making the impending vote unusually bipartisan. Several Republicans have privately voiced support for impeachment, but would fear for their personal safety if they voted in favor.
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) opened the hearing saying, “Donald Trump was stoking the anger of a violent mob. This was a well-organized attack on our country that was incited by Donald Trump.” McGovern was followed by dozens of representatives from across the country who echoed his remarks. This included House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California), who said that Trump “bears responsibility” for the riots in the Capitol building.
The vote to impeach Trump is historic as both the most bipartisan impeachment vote, as well as the first time a sitting president has been impeached more than once.
