Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power
Ukraine Extortion and First Impeachment: Withholding Military Aid to Coerce Election Interference
Trump conditioned release of congressionally-approved military aid on Ukraine's announcement of investigations targeting his political rival. The scheme, exposed by a whistleblower and confirmed by multiple witnesses including Trump's own ambassador to the EU, made national security funds contingent on Trump's personal electoral interests. The House voted to impeach; the Senate acquitted on party lines after blocking witness testimony.