Impeachment: the action of calling into question the integrity or validity of something. In the United States government, it is a charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office. US President Donald John Trump was voted to be impeached on December 18th, 2019. This occurred when the House of Representatives approved the articles of impeachment on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Although it took until December for the vote for his impeachment to be made, the process began on September 24th, 2019. The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives decided to launch an impeachment inquiry investigation against the President after numerous scandals involving foreign governments and election meddling surfaced.

Those who supported Trump’s impeachment cited the Trump Administration’s alleged attempts at pressuring the Ukrainian government to investigate political rivals: former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. In order to determine the President’s involvement, the House Intelligence Committee began its investigation.

After completing their investigation and drafting a report, the House Intelligence Committee handed the duties over to the House Judiciary Committee. The House Judiciary Committee then drafted the two articles of impeachment they would charge President Trump with—abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

On December 13th, the committee voted on the articles of impeachment. When the articles passed, it was up to the House of Representatives to decide whether or not to impeach the President of the United States. That brings us to December 18th: the day that President Trump became the third US President to be voted to be impeached, following Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.

Contrary to popular belief, impeachment does not call for immediate removal from office. The President now faces a trial from the Senate to decide his fate. The Senate, however, is controlled by the Republican party, making many people wary that Trump will actually be removed. 

If he were removed, he would become the first President to ever be impeached and removed from office while serving his term. Even if you are not a fan of politics, it is important to recognize the history we are living through. This could very well be a notable moment in American history.