Fact Check: Are House Democrats just two votes away from impeaching Trump?
WASHINGTON, DC: A claim has been going viral on social media platforms that House Democrats are just two votes away from impeaching President Donald Trump before the end of this month. The increasing calls for impeachment come amid the ongoing conflict with Iran and soaring gas prices. Let us analyse the claim and fact-check it.
Claim: Donald Trump to be impeached before March 31
The claim surfaced as midterm election candidates, such as Christian Menefee, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Illinois State Senator Laura Fine, and Kat Abughazaleh, have been calling for Trump's impeachment over the war in Iran during campaigning.
A viral X (formerly Twitter) post even claims that House Democrats are just two votes away from impeaching Trump before March 31, sparking speculations among many who are questioning the authenticity of the viral claim, while many appeared to believe the claim to be true.
The post has garnered more than three hundred thousand views with thousands of likes and shares.
Fact Check: Donald Trump is not currently being impeached
The claim, however, is false, as there are no credible reports by prominent news media outlets about it. Despite the mounting calls by Democratic lawmakers and critics, Trump is not currently being impeached.
The commander-in-chief has already been impeached twice during his first term, but a third impeachment would likely face significant political barriers due to the current Republican-controlled House and Senate at this time.
A Democratic win in this year’s midterm elections would give them control of the House, making it harder for Trump to push his agenda, which could lead to impeachment efforts.
Lawmakers press Trump for clarity on Iran war
Three weeks into the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, lawmakers from both parties are pressing Trump to clarify the administration’s long-term strategy and exit plan.
While Trump said late Friday, March 20, that he was considering “winding down” operations, he also outlined additional objectives, prompting renewed questions on Capitol Hill about the scope and duration of the mission.
The conflict has resulted in at least 13 US service members killed and more than 230 wounded, according to officials, with additional troop deployments underway.
Rising oil prices and continued regional instability have added to concerns among lawmakers over the broader impact of the war.
