Democrats and some Republicans were on the move on various fronts Monday to try to punish Donald Trump for promoting the mob of protesters who took over Capitol Hill last week, leaving five dead, including a police officer.
The first step has been taken in the Lower HouseIt is where an article was introduced with the aim of impeaching the president for “inciting insurrection.”
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At the same time, Democrats in the same chamber were trying to propose a resolution asking Vice President Mike Pence to call for the 25th amendment to the constitution. This amendment can be used to disqualify a president if at least half of his cabinet is inHe believes the current president is incapable of running the country.
The resolution, which required a unanimous consensus to proceed immediately, was blocked by Republican lawmakers. But it is taken for granted that it will be approved next Tuesday, when it is put to the vote, as the Democrats have a majority in this legislative body.
In the measure, they are giving Pence 24 hours to disqualify Trump. If the vice president does not accept this, he will discuss the impeachment article in the plenary session of the Lower House on Wednesday or Thursday. If it happens, the way will be open for the Senate to initiate impeachment.We invite you to read: Melania Trump mourns death in Capitol and ‘gossip’ at her
However, the situation remained highly uncertain, causing division among Democrats and Republicans alike.
Although Pence has not commented on the matter, it is very likely that he will ignore the request and the deadline set by the House. ANDPartly because it is not clear whether he at least has the support of more than half of the cabinet.
But the fact that he has not come to rule out the use of the amendment is in itself testament to the delicate situation Trump is facing. According to various sources, both officials have not spoken since last week and Pence still appears shocked by the president’s actions that day, when the crowd – on Trump’s instructions – searched for him in the Capitol to accuse him of his lack of loyalty. opposes the certification of President-elect Joe Biden (something he was not authorized to do).
It is speculated that the vice president’s silence is a latent threat that he could invoke the 25th Amendment if Trump continues to promote the uprising. Especially in light of possible further riots scheduled for Biden’s inauguration day on January 20.
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There is also not much clarity about the beginning of the impeachment process once the article is approved. It is a very complex procedure that could not be carried out in the few days that remained for Trump in the White House and the Republicans, who still control the Senate, anda said they would not take place before January 20.
But from that day on, the Democrats will take control of the Senate and it will be they who will set the dates and procedures for the trial.
On the other hand, there are many doubts about the inconvenience of Biden – and the Democrats – who are starting his administration with something as controversial as an impeachment process. Especially since one of the messages from the president-elect for the day of his inauguration is that the country must unite.
Republicans have, in fact, begun to rally around this idea.
In a statement released Monday, the Congressional Republican National Committee said that while last week’s events had “no place in American democracy” and “a dangerous and regrettable spectacle,” attempts to impeach Trump will only divide. plus the land.
“It is time to unite to heal our country,” the commission said.
In addition, there are other strategic factors that are being considered. The top priority for Biden, once he takes office, is for the officials he has appointed to his cabinet to be confirmed quickly.
Likewise, push for a new economic stimulus package in Congress to tackle the coronavirus. But both issues would be affected if the Senate is diverted to impeach Trump because, under the law, It is the Senate that approves the appointments and its help is needed for the approval of funds.
One proposal, sent out by Democratic lawmaker James Clyburn, is not to send the impeachment article to the Senate immediately, but to wait 100 days for Biden to have time to form a government and carry out part of his agenda.
Although Trump will no longer be in the White House, the trial would still be relevant, because if convicted, the former president would be disqualified for life from holding public office.
And that would block his possible candidacy for the 2024 elections.
But the idea has been widely criticized by other members of his party, who believe Trump’s punishment is urgent given the risk it poses to democracy both now and in the future.
They also believe that if they wait too long, the Republicans will no longer feel as much pressure as there is today to have the president sanctioned. Something that is not easy in itself, given that it takes two-thirds of the senate and 67 votes to remove a president.
And the Democrats only have 50, plus about five Republicans who have indicated they vote in favor so far.
In addition, there is a risk that a new impeachment process could give Trump more oxygen and strengthen his constituency.
“Many, including Republicans, know that Donald Trump is a problem they need to control. But nobody knows the best way. If they go overboard with the rebuke, they can turn him into a martyr. And if they don’t act, instead of dying, the cancer could spread because this type of behavior is normalized, ”said Edward Foley, director of the election program at Ohio University.
Trump, isolated
Trump, isolated in the White House, banned from Twitter and other social networks that tried to avoid new incitement to violence. The Republican president plans to travel to Texas today to celebrate his immigration policy and the construction of the border wall with Mexico.
In silence since the riot at the Capitol, the first lady, Melania Trump, finally spoke on Monday about what had happened, condemning the violence, but also condemning her being the object of “attacks” she did not specify.
“I find it a shame that around these tragic events there has been lewd gossip, unwarranted personal assaults and false and misleading accusations against me, from people who want to be relevant and have topics to bring up,” he wrote in a statement on the website. White House website.
The Capitol, the seat of the United States Congress, was under reinforced security on Monday, with a metal fence about six feet high surrounding the building. Extremists have threatened further action in the coming days, both in Washington and capital cities.
SERGIO GÓMEZ MASERI *
EL TIEMPO Washington correspondent
And Twitter: @ sergom68
* With information from AFP