Donald Trump impeached on two counts by House

The Democratic Party, on Friday impeached President Donald Trump on two counts, abuse of power and obstructing congress. This has further divided the U.S. population on the two incompatible political ideologies. The 2019 elections to the House of Representatives had initially, allowed the democrats to achieve a good majority, the impeachment was a result of all but 2 of the democratic representatives voting for impeachment. A senate trial is to be held early next year to decide, if Trump should remain in office. The Grand Old Party (GOP, Republicans) have a good majority control over senate and Trump is likely to remain in office. Any long-term consequences of this will be seen as early as next year during the 2020 presidential elections.

               The calls for impeachment began more than 2 years ago, when the first reports by U.S. intelligence showed signs of Russian interference in the 2016 elections. The Speaker for the House Nancy Pelosi (democrat) staved of these demands until the accusations of abuse of power arose. Donald Trump stands accused of collaborating with the Turkish Government for information on his political rival Joe Biden, a democratic frontrunner (for 2020). Two of the 31 Democrats, Collin Peterson of Minnesota and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, voted against impeaching the president. A third, Maine’s Jared Golden, voted for the abuse of power article but against the obstruction. Hawaiian Representative Tulsi Gabbard, though seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, voted present (abstained) on both counts.

               Trump in response, made an angry twitter post. “Any member of Congress who votes in support of impeachment -- against every shred of truth, fact, evidence and legal principle -- is showing how deeply they revile the voters and how truly they detest America’s constitutional order,”. This passionate response is likely to appeal to his support base, as seen throughout his term in office. Trump’s approval rating has yet to fall as of now.

               While this seems like an important issue now, with animated responses from supporters of both parties, it is likely not going to be a focus later on. The cost and availability of U.S. healthcare is going to be the main focus in the 2020 elections, as anyone who had to avail an ambulance service there, are quite aware. The economy is also in decline and the republicans have always maintained that Trump is good for the economy.