Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Bill Number: H.Res. 353
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-05-13: NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER RESOLUTION - Mr. Thanedar notified the House of his intent to offer a privileged resolution pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX. The Chair announced that a determination will be made at the time designated for consideration of the resolution.
Last Updated: 2025-05-16T15:52:07Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 353) seeks to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. It accuses him of abusing presidential powers in ways that violate his constitutional oath, undermine the rule of law, and threaten democratic institutions. The House of Representatives would exhibit seven articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial, potentially leading to his removal from office.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines seven articles of impeachment, each detailing specific alleged misconduct. Each article references relevant constitutional provisions (e.g., separation of powers, oaths of office) and claims the President's actions subvert the Constitution.

Article I: Obstruction of Justice, Violation of Due Process, and Breach of Duty to Faithfully Execute Laws

Accuses the President of directing subordinates to undermine the justice system, including:

Ordering the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make false statements to courts and dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for political cooperation.
Firing career DOJ attorneys in retaliation for prior investigations (e.g., January 6, 2021, Capitol attack).
Defying court orders on deportations (e.g., removing individuals despite judicial bans, leading to contempt findings).
Terminating inspectors general and Merit Systems Protection Board members without legal process.
Sharing sensitive personal data in violation of privacy laws.

Article II: Usurpation of the Appropriations Power

Alleges the President unlawfully withheld or impounded funds approved by Congress, violating the Constitution's Appropriations Clause and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Examples include:

Attempting to dismantle the Department of Education via Executive Order 14242.
Eliminating the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), halting foreign aid.
Using the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) to freeze funds for agencies like the National Institutes of Health, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Veterans Affairs, causing job cuts and service disruptions.

Article III: Abuse of Trade Powers and International Aggression

Claims the President misused trade authority and threatened military actions, breaching congressional powers over taxes/duties and international treaties. Specifics:

Imposing broad tariffs (e.g., 10% on all countries under the "Liberation Day" plan), causing economic downturns and violating trade agreements.
Threatening annexations or invasions of Canada, Mexico (drone strikes on cartels), Greenland, the Panama Canal, and the Gaza Strip, violating treaties like the UN Charter and NATO.

Article IV: Violation of First Amendment Rights

Accuses retaliation against critics, violating free speech, press, assembly, and petition rights. Examples:

Barring law firms from federal buildings, revoking security clearances, and threatening contracts for representing opponents.
Directing DOJ to investigate and harass political enemies, media (e.g., restricting Associated Press access), and January 6 Committee members.
Public threats against media, officials, and advocacy groups to suppress dissent.

Article V: Creation of Unlawful Office

Alleges the President unconstitutionally created DOGE without congressional approval or Senate confirmation, vesting excessive power in Elon Musk as de facto head. This violated appointment clauses and led to:

Impounding funds, breaching privacy laws, and firing employees illegally.
Misrepresenting Musk's role in court to evade oversight.

Article VI: Bribery and Corruption

Charges the President with soliciting bribes for official favors, violating the Emoluments Clause. Details:

Profiting from cryptocurrency schemes as bribe conduits.
Extracting $940 million in pro bono legal services via lawsuits.
Refusing to divest business interests, enabling foreign payments and self-dealing by associates.

Article VII: Tyranny

Broadly accuses the President of acting like a dictator by:

Claiming absolute power to suspend laws and ignore term limits (22nd Amendment).
Undermining checks and balances, federalism, due process, and citizenship rights (e.g., executive order denying birthright citizenship).
Intimidating Congress, states, and citizens through threats and encouragement of violence.

Each article concludes that the President's actions make him unfit for office and a ongoing threat to the Constitution.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend or create new laws; it is a non-binding political action under the Constitution's impeachment process (Article I, Section 2). It invokes existing laws (e.g., Impoundment Control Act, Privacy Act) and constitutional principles but introduces no statutory changes. If the Senate convicts, it could result in removal and disqualification from future office, enforcing constitutional limits without altering legal frameworks.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Could disrupt executive operations if removal occurs, affecting DOJ independence, agency funding (e.g., education, foreign aid), and civil service protections. DOGE's actions have already allegedly caused job losses, service halts, and data breaches.
On Citizens: Risks to rights like due process, free speech, and privacy; economic harm from tariffs and impoundments (e.g., reduced healthcare, education aid); potential chilling of dissent through harassment.
On International Relations: Strains alliances (e.g., with Canada, Denmark, Mexico) via threats of annexation or invasion; undermines U.S. credibility in humanitarian aid and trade, possibly inviting retaliatory tariffs or hostilities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

President Donald John Trump: Directly impeached, facing potential removal.
Congress: House initiates; Senate tries (requiring two-thirds vote for conviction); members (e.g., January 6 Committee) targeted by threats.
Federal Agencies and Employees: DOJ, USAID, Department of Education, inspectors general, and civil servants face purges, funding cuts, and politicization.
Citizens and Advocacy Groups: Individuals, media, law firms, and critics (e.g., CREW) vulnerable to retaliation; broader public affected by economic and rights erosions.
Foreign Governments and Entities: Nations like Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Denmark threatened; international organizations impacted by U.S. aid cuts and treaty violations.
Private Figures: Elon Musk (DOGE role) and law firms entangled in alleged corruption.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: Challenges core principles like separation of powers (e.g., executive overreach into congressional appropriations, judicial defiance), due process (Fifth/Fourth Amendments), and free speech (First Amendment). Invokes "high crimes and misdemeanors" broadly, potentially setting precedents for impeaching non-criminal abuses. Raises questions on presidential immunity, appointment powers (Article II), and emoluments.
Political: Highlights partisan divisions, as introduced by Democrats (e.g., Reps. Thanedar, Nadler); could deepen polarization or rally bases. Success depends on Senate composition; failure might embolden executive actions. Reinforces impeachment as a check on power, but risks perceptions of politicization without conviction.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]

Recent Actions

2025-05-13: NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER RESOLUTION - Mr. Thanedar notified the House of his intent to offer a privileged resolution pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX. The Chair announced that a determination will be made at the time designated for consideration of the resolution.
2025-05-13: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1953)
2025-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2025-04-28: Submitted in House
2025-04-28: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (29 pages)