How US impeachment works and why Trump could face another attempt
The failed attempt to impeach Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s secretary of war, followed allegations that he had waged war on Iran without the required congressional approval. Hegseth dismissed the effort as a “farce” and “sabotage,” while observers saw it as a possible sign of more impeachment attempts, including a potential third against Trump.
In the United States, impeachment is a constitutional process through which Congress can charge elected officials, judges or presidents with misconduct. The House of Representatives brings the charges; the Senate then holds a trial in which both sides can question relevant witnesses. Conviction requires a two-thirds Senate majority, making removal difficult in a highly partisan political system. Impeachment cases must also be heard within 48 hours once proceedings begin, as happened with Hegseth.
Only eight people—all judges—had been impeached since the first US case concluded in 1799. Experts therefore say impeachment is increasingly being used to spotlight alleged wrongdoing, pressure an official to resign or send a political signal, even when conviction is unlikely. Donald Trump was acquitted in 2020 over abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and again in 2021 over incitement of insurrection. With Democrats set to control both chambers after the midterms, another attempt is possible, though experts warn that rushing into one could distract from practical legislative priorities.
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