OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) — President Donald Trump became just the third president impeached following a mostly party-line house vote Wednesday night.
But what does that actually mean? To help dispel the rumors, we asked UW Oshkosh Political Science Professor Jim Simmons.
“The House of Representatives has determined that there is sufficient evidence to hold a trial,” Simmons told WTAQ. “That could lead to the removal, or acquittal, of the President of the United States.”
Meanwhile, President Trump can–contrary to some social media buzz— continue to campaign for a second term in office in 2020, but if removed he can never run for political office again.
Another rumor that’s been flying around social media is that if acquitted, Trump could possibly run for a third term if he manages to win a second. Not true, says Simmons.
“The constitution has been amended to limit presidents to two terms in office,” Simmons said.
The impeachment process has been defined at times by an entrenched, divided partisan back-and-forth with only three Democrats voting against President Trump’s impeachment and no Republicans voting in favor. Simmons says that sort of deep division around impeachment nothing new. In fact, we’ve seen worse.
“The impeachment of 1868…that was just as partisan as the current, and even worse,” Simmons said. “There was bribery, threats of violence, and newspapers didn’t even pretend to be neutral.”
That was the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President. That impeachment took place right after the Civil War. Johnson and Bill Clinton, the 42nd President, were both acquitted by the senate.
It’s not clear when a senate trial for President Trump may begin. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she might delay sending the approved impeachment articles to the Senate.
