Fact check: Trump focuses on ‘crimes,’ but impeachment is a political decision

Founders left it to Congress to define ‘high crimes and misdemeanors,’ scholars say

ANALYSIS — Impeachment is very much on President Donald Trump’s mind even after he declared victory right as special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s report was made public. But some of his arguments against it are contradicted by the former FBI director’s conclusions and legal scholars.

“Only high crimes and misdemeanors can lead to impeachment. There were no crimes by me (No Collusion, No Obstruction), so you can’t impeach,” the president tweeted Monday morning as the hashtag #ImpeachDonaldTrump was trending on Twitter in the United States. A few hours later, the president told reporters he was “not even a little bit” concerned about being impeached.

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump

Only high crimes and misdemeanors can lead to impeachment. There were no crimes by me (No Collusion, No Obstruction), so you can’t impeach. It was the Democrats that committed the crimes, not your Republican President! Tables are finally turning on the Witch Hunt!

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There are a few questionable assumptions and legal implications in those 23 words, starting with the president’s assertion that he did not obstruct justice.

View the complete April 22 article by John T. Bennett on The Roll Call website here.