First Impeachment: Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress Over Ukraine

Overview

The first impeachment turned on a phone call and an explicit quid pro quo. Trump asked Ukraine to announce investigations into his political rival in exchange for $391 million in congressionally approved military aid. When Congress investigated, he directed every official to defy every subpoena.

The Senate acquitted him. Two days later, he fired the witnesses.

The Call

The July 25, 2019 call between Trump and Zelensky is documented in a rough transcript the White House itself released. After Zelensky raised the issue of missiles, Trump said: "I would like you to do us a favor though." He asked about CrowdStrike and the 2016 election. He asked about the Bidens.

Ambassador Sondland's testimony before the House Intelligence Committee described what was happening: "Was there a quid pro quo? As I testified previously, with regard to the requested White House call and White House meeting, the answer is yes." He added: "Everyone was in the loop."

The Obstruction Article

The second article of impeachment was novel in its scope. The administration did not litigate privilege questions case by case or produce some documents while withholding others. It categorically directed all officials to produce nothing and say nothing. The obstruction article described not specific acts of obstruction but an entire posture of non-compliance with congressional oversight.

The Retaliation

Mitt Romney gave a floor speech saying Trump was "guilty of an appalling abuse of the public trust." He was the only Republican senator to vote to convict. Trump attacked him on Twitter and continued attacking him for years.

Alexander Vindman had raised concerns about the call through proper channels. He testified truthfully when subpoenaed. He was escorted out of the White House two days after the acquittal. His twin brother — who worked at the NSC but had no involvement in the impeachment — was also fired.