As members entered the House chamber this morning to debate a second impeachment resolution against the president, they had to pass through a metal detector at the chamber door where only members enter — an apparent unprecedented punishment against Republicans, who were not consulted. Reporters overheard one angry Republican shout at the House majority leader, “Steny, this is horse—-!”
A perfect illustration of how dangerously divided Congress is.
Yet, a handful of Republicans are supporting impeachment, including Liz Cheney of Wyoming, John Katko of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Fred Upton of Michigan, and Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington.
A frustrated Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, whose wife, Elaine Chao, has resigned as transportation secretary, reportedly may also support impeachment — a potential green light for other Senate Republicans to vote yes, should a trial be held.
Scholars are citing different passages in the Constitution to support whether or not a former president can be impeached. Former Appeals Court Judge Michael Luttig tweets: “A president cannot be impeached after he leaves office.”
But others note the Constitution allows, quote, “disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States,” which some read as a block to any future Trump presidential plans.
As the number of those arrested and charged with federal crimes for the storming of the Capitol increases into the hundreds, pundits and presidents cast blame and deflect responsibility.
David Plouffe said, “But make no mistake. This was a Trump enterprise from the very beginning — when the notion of Jan. 6 came along, the entire message that the election was going to be stolen if he lost, and then once he lost, that it was stolen, and all of his enablers.”
“For Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to continue on this path,” the president said, “I think it’s causing tremendous danger to our country, and it’s causing tremendous anger.”
