Donald Trump’s presidency thus far has not been short of controversy.
His highly-criticised Muslim travel ban prompted mass international cry and was ultimately struck-down by a federal judge in Seattle, after the act caused disarray in airports across the country.
His wealthy, male-dominated cabinet is reportedly increasingly at odds, and the resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn over alleged links to Russia has only heightened speculation over the durability of Mr Trump’s leadership.
However, has the President’s latest tweet proved a step too far, and if so, what is the likelihood of his Impeachment?
The Process of Impeachment
Article II of the constitution states with regards to Impeachment:
“The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
Whilst there has been much talk of Trump’s removal, the process is particularly rare occurrence in the U.S 238-year history, which traditionally holds its Government institutions, its constitution and the democratic will of the people in high esteem.
Only two US presidents have been impeached; Andrew Johnson in 1868 and famously, Bill Clinton.
In 1974, President Nixon become the only President to resign from office, in a bid to avoid impeachment after he was found culpable of wire-tapping his opposition’s headquarters. Sound familiar?
Former President Barack Obama stands accused by his successor of wire-tapping the Trump Tower offices in the run-up to the election. The current President has been particularly active on Twitter with regards to the claims as of late, tweeting:
How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017
Trump’s facts have often been characterised as dubious, with his presidency hailing the era of “post-truth” politics. However, accusing a high-office official of criminal activity has serious, far-reaching ramifications.
If the accusations stand true, it will cast a shadow upon the legacy of US Government institutions and only further fuel public disillusionment with the Washington elite.
Moreover, questioning his predecessor’s integrity, regardless of party divisions, risks permanently damaging the United States’ prize possession – Democracy.
If Obama is found to be innocent, President Trump no doubt will be culpable of libel and crucially, presidential misconduct – potentially handing the Senate grounds for Impeachment.
Will Trump and his twitter habit ultimately prove the architect of his own demise, spelling the end to his presidency?
Other factors are also at play.
Deepening ties to Russia
Whilst close diplomatic ties with other nations are often a valuable asset for any Government, any evidence of covert collusion begins to tread towards dangerous territory.
Donald Trump has been closely linked to Russia throughout his candidacy and has made no secret of his admiration for President Putin.
However, amidst growing speculation that Russia played a role in influencing the U.S election, and following the recent resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn over ties to Russia, there may be grounds for further investigation and concrete action.
Laurence Tribe, a Harvard law professor, reinforced the case for Impeachment over the claims on Twitter.
“Flynn’s departure from [the National Security Council] was necessary but far from sufficient,” he wrote.
“Bumping [chief strategist Steve] Bannon from his legally dubious role there must follow. Then investigating what POTUS [Mr Trump] knew and when he knew it; then considering whether POTUS is ‘unable to discharge the duties of his office’ within the meaning of Section 4 of the 25th Amendment; then starting a serious national conversation about possible impeachment.”
Conflict of Interest
Prior to his inauguration, Mr Trump announced his intention to hand over all his vast business operations to his sons in order to avoid any accusations of conflict. However, many legal experts remain unconvinced of Trump’s transparency with regards to his business empire, questioning the likelihood of him enacting potentially favourable acts of legislation.
Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual holding high “Office” from accepting any gifts or emoluments from “any King, Prince or Foreign State.” Liberals have argued that the emolument clause could be potentially be interpreted to include Trump’s business interests and present the key to grounds to Impeach.
Republican Reluctance
Nevertheless, the real authority with regards to building an Impeachment case against Trump lies with a Republican-held Congress, who formally begin and oversee the process.
Whilst Trump’s divisiveness within his own party has been no secret, whether the party will find it necessary to jeopardize their own hold on power remains improbable.
In the meantime, the question remains:
Can the so-called “Tweeter-in-chief” ever truly transform into an effective Commander-in-Chief?