A Democratic representative declared on Wednesday his intention to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. This action comes in response to Trump's remarks about Gaza following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. "I am here to announce that I will file articles of impeachment against the president for the reckless actions he has proposed and executed," stated Texas Representative Al Green during his speech in the House of Representatives.
After meeting Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump suggested that the United States should take control of Gaza, lead its reconstruction, and relocate Palestinians to other countries. "Ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not a trivial matter, especially when it comes from the President of the United States, the most powerful person in the world," said Al Green, who denounced those statements.
Following the congressman's announcement, Trump's campaign team launched a signature collection initiative in defense of the president, labeling the move as an attack by "radical lunatics." "The Democrats just called for another impeachment against me! They lost to me in a landslide victory, and now their only option to stop MAGA is to launch a third impeachment," Trump said in a statement.
The American president has already faced two impeachment processes during his first term (2017-2021). In December 2019, the House of Representatives accused him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third U.S. president in history to face impeachment. In January 2021, one week before the end of his first term, he was subjected to a second impeachment, this time for inciting insurrection following the storming of the Capitol by his supporters to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's victory (2021-2025). On both occasions, the Senate acquitted him.
Are there chances of a successful impeachment against Trump now? International media agree that Green's announcement would only mark the beginning of a process with slim chances of success. The impeachment articles must be voted on in the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold the majority. If approved, the impeachment trial would move to the Senate, also under Republican control, which would complicate any attempt to remove the president.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump has not committed to deploying U.S. troops in Gaza and believes Washington should participate in the area's reconstruction "to ensure stability in the region." When asked about the possibility of Trump sending troops to Gaza to forcibly expel Palestinians, the spokesperson emphasized that the president's priority is the reconstruction of the enclave and that his plan aims to offer "all people in the region" stability, economic development, and opportunities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Trump's idea, which Democrats and the UN denounce as potential ethnic cleansing, as "extraordinary" and a "good idea." "It is the first good idea I have heard. It is an extraordinary idea that I think should be pursued, examined, and implemented, because I believe it could create a different future for everyone," Netanyahu said in an interview with the American network FOX. "What is wrong with allowing Gazans who want to leave to go? They can leave, they can come back later, but Gaza needs to be rebuilt," added the Israeli leader.
Impeachment Process and Its Implications
What are the chances of a successful impeachment against Trump?
Given the Republican majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the chances of a successful impeachment against Trump are currently considered slim.
What were the outcomes of Trump's previous impeachment trials?
In both previous impeachment trials, Trump was acquitted by the Senate after being charged by the House of Representatives.