What's the likelihood of President Trump's impeachment and removal?

President Trump is facing a fast-moving investigation and a call for impeachment. As evidence emerges to substantiate a whistle-blower complaint against him, many want to know how likely it is he will be impeached and removed from office. 

President Trump is under fire once again as Democrats call for impeachment.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
9/26/2019 (5 years ago)

Published in Politics & Policy

Keywords: President Trump, impeachment, influence, Ukraine

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Allegedly, on July 25, President Trump phoned Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky. During the call, President Trump allegedly asked Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son for possible corruption. Joe Biden is running for president against Donald Trump, and his son, Hunter Biden holds a seat on the board of a Ukrainian natural gas company. President Zelensky agreed to investigate the matter.

In question is a phone call Joe Biden allegedly made in 2016. During that call, he suggested that the Ukrainian government remove a prosecutor who was investigating the gas firm. 

On face, it seems President Trump is making a request for help investigating possible corrupt dealings by a senator. However, Biden is also the President' most likely political rival for the 2020 election, and this makes his request controversial. To critics, President Trump is seeking Ukrainian influence to aid his reelection. 

The discussion came to light after an intelligence official noticed the unusual way in which the White House was handling the record of the call. The whistle-blower felt the handling was suspicious and unusual, especially in light of the nature of the discussion. The records were moved from a separate computer network where they are usually retained.

It has been acknowledged the whistle-blower was not present during the call. Instead, that individual was notified by other White House staff who were concerned the President was acting unlawfully. 

The original complaint stated that several staffers who were present during the call would be able to corroborate the allegations. 

In its defense, the White House has released its own transcript of the call, but there are questions about the integrity of the transcript. It is possible some portions of the call are distorted or omitted. 

In response to all this, Congress has called for an investigation and possible impeachment. The situation is developing rapidly with new information coming quickly as others come forward with information. 

While it is possible the situation is contrived, it does not look good for the President. There are already enough tentative yes votes for impeachment in the House of Representatives. 

If impeached, President Trump would face the Senate, which has a Republican majority. It is unclear how many will stand with him, and how many will oppose him. The Senate will make the determination if he will be removed from office. At this time, his impeachment appears likely, but removal is unlikely. 

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However, there is one other question that is unanswered. Why now? 

For the past three years, Democrats have investigated and made many accusations against President Trump. Any of these investigations could have become the basis for impeachment. Yet, House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have always been opposed to impeachment. Suddenly however, there is a rush to prosecute the President. Why? 

The answer seems to do with Biden. Joe Biden is the Democrat's choice to take the White House from Republicans, and the discovery of scandal involving him could ruin their chances. It is speculation, but this may be the reason why Democrats are pursuing impeachment now. 

At this time, there are no calls for an investigation into Joe Biden and his dealings in Ukraine. 

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