Articles of Impeachment

Mock Articles of Impeachment

Against Donald J. Trump, President of the United States

ARTICLE I

Election Interference & Democratic Sabotage

The Constitution provides that the President “shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”

In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in violation of his constitutional duty, knowingly and willfully engaged in a course of conduct designed to overturn, obstruct, and sabotage the lawful certification of a presidential election, thereby undermining democratic self-government.

In that:

1. The President repeatedly and falsely asserted that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent, despite being informed by senior Department of Justice officials, state election authorities, and his own advisors that such claims were untrue;
2. The President sought to coerce and pressure state election officials, including Secretaries of State and members of state canvassing boards, to alter vote counts, discard lawful ballots, or refuse certification of legitimate election results;
3. The President attempted to enlist the Department of Justice to legitimize false claims of election fraud and to interfere with state electoral processes, including through public statements and private communications;
4. The President encouraged and amplified efforts to substitute lawful electors with illegitimate slates, in contravention of federal and state law;
5. The President pressured the Vice President of the United States to unlawfully reject or delay the counting of certified electoral votes;
6. The President’s actions culminated in the disruption of the constitutionally mandated counting of electoral votes and contributed to violence and disorder at the United States Capitol.

Whereby Donald J. Trump abused the powers of the Presidency, subverted the Constitution, and betrayed the trust of the people of the United States.

Wherefore, Donald J. Trump warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.

ARTICLE II

ABUSE OF POWER IN PURSUIT OF AUTHORITARIAN CAPTURE

In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump abused the powers of the Presidency by using executive authority not to serve the public interest, but to consolidate personal power and punish perceived enemies.

In that:

1. The President sought to transform federal law enforcement agencies into instruments of personal loyalty rather than impartial administration of justice;
2. The President installed or promoted individuals to senior law enforcement and national security positions based on personal allegiance rather than competence or independence;
3. The President removed, marginalized, or threatened Inspectors General and other oversight officials who investigated executive misconduct;
4. The President publicly and privately encouraged the use of federal power to retaliate against political opponents, journalists, and critics;
5. The President fostered a climate in which lawful dissent was framed as disloyalty and institutional checks were portrayed as illegitimate.

Whereby Donald J. Trump subverted the rule of law, undermined constitutional checks and balances, and advanced an authoritarian conception of executive power incompatible with democratic governance.

Wherefore, Donald J. Trump warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.

ARTICLE III

BREACH OF THE CONSTITUTION, DENIAL OF CIVIL RIGHTS, STATE VIOLENCE, AND TURNING AMERICANS AGAINST EACH OTHER

In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump repeatedly disregarded and violated the civil and human rights of persons within the United States, using state power in ways that foreseeably caused human harm.

In that:

1. The President encouraged or condoned the excessive use of force by federal and local law enforcement against civilians exercising lawful rights of protest and assembly;
2. The President deployed or threatened deployment of federal forces in a manner designed to intimidate political dissent rather than protect public safety;
3. The President promoted dehumanizing rhetoric targeting immigrants, journalists, and political opponents, contributing to an environment of heightened risk and violence;
4. The President presided over detention and enforcement practices that subjected individuals to inhumane conditions, despite warnings from medical professionals and human rights observers;
5. The President failed to take responsibility for foreseeable harm resulting from these policies and instead dismissed or attacked those who documented their consequences.

Whereby Donald J. Trump violated his oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, and endangered the lives, safety, and dignity of those subject to the power of the United States.

Wherefore, Donald J. Trump warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.

ARTICLE IV

Corruption, Self-Dealing, Oligarchic Rule, and Shattering the Rules-Based International Order

In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Donald J. Trump engaged in a pattern of corruption and self-dealing that subordinated public interest to personal financial and political gain.

In that:

1. The President used the powers of his office to enrich himself and his associates, including through the solicitation of government patronage at properties in which he maintained a financial interest;
2. The President blurred the distinction between public office and private business, creating persistent conflicts of interest;
3. The President tolerated or encouraged the influence of wealthy donors and oligarchic interests over public policy;
4. The President undermined anti-corruption norms and safeguards by weakening oversight and dismissing accountability as illegitimate;
5. The President’s conduct eroded public confidence in the integrity of government and normalized the use of public power for private advantage.

Whereby Donald J. Trump acted in a manner grossly incompatible with the ethical standards and fiduciary responsibilities of the Presidency.

Wherefore, Donald J. Trump warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.