Featured Post from University of Mary Washington

How to do it, what it means, and will it work? Let our experts explain what it means to impeach a sitting president

Sep 26, 2019

2 min

Stephen Farnsworth



Until now, it seemed no scandal could stick to President Donald Trump. But after a whistleblower came forward after an awkward conversation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy – it seems Trump may have finally crossed the line.


His request for an investigation by a foreign power into a political, opponent may have been illegal.


Trump repeatedly Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to work with Attorney General William Barr and Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s personal lawyer. At one point in the conversation, Trump said, “I would like for you to do us a favor.”


The president’s words set the parameters for the debate to come — just the fourth impeachment investigation of an American president in the nation’s history. The initial response highlighted the deep divide between the two parties: Democrats said the call amounted to a “shakedown” of a foreign leader, while Trump — backed by the vast majority of Republicans — dismissed it as a “nothing call.”…


Pelosi announced the impeachment probe on Tuesday after months of resistance to a process she has warned would be divisive for the country and risky for her party. But after viewing the transcript on Wednesday, Pelosi declared: Congress must act.” September 25 – Associated Press


This will only be the fourth time in history an impeachment investigation has taken place - and odds are it will dominate the Washington scene for months.


But there are a lot of questions to be asked:


  • How long will this take?
  • What does it take to actually succeed?
  • If Trump is impeached by Congress – will the Senate follow?
  • Could he actually be removed from office?
  • And, is this a risk for Democrats who could feed into the Trump narrative of another failed attempt at a witch hunt?


There are a lot of questions and that’s where our experts can help.


Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington. A published author and a media ‘go-to’ on U.S. politics, he is available to speak with media regarding this topic. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.



Connect with:
Stephen Farnsworth

Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs

Director of UMW Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Author/co-author of books on the presidency, mass media, public opinion, journalism

The American PresidencyInternet PoliticsMass Media and PoliticsVirginia Government and PoliticsJournalism

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