Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1155
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-14T08:05:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 1155: Impeaching Donald J. Trump for High Crimes and Misdemeanors
Purpose
This House resolution impeaches Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors (serious offenses against the Constitution and his oath of office). It presents 13 articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial, drafted by Ralph Nader and Bruce Fein, to record alleged constitutional violations and spark discussion on government accountability. Introduced on April 6, 2026, by Mr. Larson of Connecticut and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Key Provisions
The resolution accuses President Trump of violating his constitutional oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the Constitution and faithfully execute laws. Each of the 13 articles details specific actions and calls for his impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification from future offices of trust:
- Article I: War Power, Murder, Piracy – Usurping Congress's sole power to declare war (Article I, Section 8) by initiating military actions (e.g., against drug traffickers, Iran, Yemen, Venezuela blockade, oil theft) without authorization.
- Article II: Militarization of Domestic Law Enforcement – Illegally deploying National Guard in cities like Los Angeles and Portland to suppress protests, falsely claiming regular forces were insufficient.
- Article III: Unconstitutional Detentions and Deportations – Detaining/deporting people based on race, ethnicity, or political views; using epithets; invoking Alien Enemies Act improperly; deporting to places with torture.
- Article IV: Retaliation Against Protected Speech – Suppressing speech via executive orders (e.g., on "free speech" and school indoctrination); firing officials for disloyalty or investigations against Trump.
- Article V: Abuse of Pardon Power – Pardoning over 1,500 January 6 insurrectionists (including serious criminals) and donors convicted of fraud/drug crimes; risking preemptive pardons for future crimes.
- Article VI: Crippling Protective Programs – Dismantling agencies/programs for consumers, needy, workers, environment; firing employees and withholding funds against laws like the Impoundment Control Act.
- Article VII: Usurpation of Congressional Power of the Purse – Refusing to spend appropriated funds, diverting them (e.g., Venezuelan oil sales), using unappropriated/private funds; violating Impoundment Control Act and Anti-Deficiency Act.
- Article VIII: Contempt of Congress – Refusing to share information (e.g., videos of civilian deaths, Epstein files) needed for oversight.
- Article IX: Perverting Law Enforcement – Targeting critics (e.g., Comey, Schiff) with investigations; protecting allies (e.g., dropping charges against Eric Adams).
- Article X: Suspending or Dispensing with Laws – Firing 17 Inspectors General without notice/reason; refusing to enforce laws, making Congress's power ineffective.
- Article XI: Flouting 14th Amendment Section 1 – Executive order stripping birthright citizenship (jus soli, or "right of soil") from certain U.S.-born children, against Supreme Court precedent.
- Article XII: Specious National Emergencies – Declaring fake emergencies (energy, border "invasion," cartels/ Venezuela as terrorists) to bypass laws on energy, immigration, and war.
- Article XIII: Emoluments Clauses – Retaining business interests to profit from his office, accepting favors from U.S./foreign entities (violating Article I prohibitions on extra pay/emoluments).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a resolution, not a statute. It initiates the impeachment process under Article I, Sections 2-3 of the Constitution but does not amend laws.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Could disrupt executive branch operations (e.g., military, DOJ, agencies defunded); force Senate trial diverting resources.
- Citizens: Affects protesters, immigrants (detentions/deportations), students (speech in schools), and vulnerable groups (reduced protections); risks precedent for executive overreach.
- International Relations: Accusations of unauthorized wars/blockades/piracy against Venezuela, Iran, etc., could strain alliances, invite retaliation, and damage U.S. credibility.
- If Senate convicts, immediate removal of President; otherwise, no direct legal effect but political consequences.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- President Donald J. Trump: Direct target for removal/disqualification.
- Congress: House initiates; Senate tries (two-thirds vote needed for conviction).
- U.S. Citizens: Protesters, immigrants (e.g., Haitians, Venezuelans), federal employees, students, and those relying on protective programs.
- Federal Agencies/Employees: DOJ, FBI, Inspectors General, military, environmental/consumer agencies.
- International Actors: Venezuela, Iran, Yemen, cartels, drug-trafficking nations; U.S. allies impacted by war actions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional: Challenges separation of powers (e.g., war declaration, purse, pardons); invokes oath violations, high crimes and misdemeanors (impeachable offenses not requiring criminal conviction).
- Legal: References statutes (e.g., War Crimes Act, Impoundment Control Act) and precedents (e.g., Wong Kim Ark on citizenship); notes House rules barring direct presidential accusations on floor.
- Political: Highlights executive vs. legislative tensions; could polarize public/Congress; serves as historical record even if not advanced; risks "blowback" like escalated conflicts or domestic unrest per the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-04-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. — issued 2026-04-06 — PDF (17 pages)