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Why Is Abuse of Power an Impeachable Offense?

Katherine Gypson

   CAPITOL HILL - House Democrats will vote on two articles of impeachment
   early next week, charging President Donald Trump with abuse of power
   and obstruction of Congress--two offenses they say should remove him
   from office under the standards laid down by the U.S. Constitution.
   Trump is the third president in history to face impeachment based on a
   specific charge that he abused the power of his office. The
   Constitution does not directly mention abuse of power among the reasons
   that Congress can impeach a president. Instead, "treason, bribery and
   high crimes and misdemeanors" are listed.
   Democratic lawmakers, legal experts and precedent support the approach.
   Trump has said he did nothing wrong and that House Democrats'
   allegations are "flimsy, pathetic, ridiculous articles of impeachment."

   What do thearticles ofimpeachment say about Trump's abuse of power?
   The abuse of power charge is centered on the allegation that Trump
   predicated the release of $391 million of congressionally approved
   military aid to Ukraine and a White House meeting for Ukrainian
   President VolodymyrZelenskiyupon an announcement by Ukraine that Joe
   Biden, a potential2020 election rivalof Trump, and Biden's son Hunter
   would be investigated.

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