Top House Democrat Adam Smith backs impeaching Trump and Hegseth
The gist
Rep. Adam Smith of Washington now backs impeaching Trump and is inclined to back proceedings against Hegseth.
A Democratic midterm win could give the party subpoena power to pursue this.
How it unfolded
- Dec 2019The Democrat-controlled House accused Donald Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in his first impeachment, tied to his dealings with Ukrainian authorities.
- Feb 2020The Senate acquitted Trump of both charges and he continued exercising the presidency.
- 2021Trump's second impeachment, over his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, ended in acquittal, though seven Republican senators voted to convict him.