Donald Trump could face impeachment for a third time after Democrats swept to victory in the US midterm elections, dealing a devastating blow to the president’s Republican Party.
Democrats have secured control of Congress following a dramatic election night that saw Republicans lose key seats across the country.
At the time of writing, Democrats have seized control of the US Senate, securing 54 seats, including two allied independents, against Republicans’ 44 — a net gain of seven seats.
While Democrats will now have the power to launch impeachment proceedings, removing Trump from office won’t be easy.
What are the midterm elections?
Midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, allowing Americans to elect members of Congress without choosing a new president.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives were contested, alongside 35 Senate elections.
Democrats needed 218 House seats for a majority and a net gain of four Senate seats to take control of the upper chamber.
Could Donald Trump be impeached?
Trump was impeached in 2019 for abuse of power and obstructing Congress, and in 2021 for inciting insurrection. Both ended in acquittal (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
The 80-year-old could face impeachment over allegations of abusing presidential powers or violating the US Constitution, with Democrats previously scrutinising his decision to launch military strikes against Iran without congressional authorisation.
His administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files could also come under investigation, as lawmakers may also examine whether Trump has improperly used federal agencies against political opponents or defied court orders on immigration.
Democrats could begin impeachment proceedings when the newly elected Congress takes office on 3 January, 2027.
“But impeachment is not simply a mechanism for removing a president. It can also become a source of sustained political pressure,” Josephine Liu, co-founder of Geopolitical Consulting Firm GC NEXUS, tells LADbible.
“Investigations, subpoenas and public hearings could consume the administration’s attention, resources and political capital, even without a Senate conviction.
“Trump, however, could turn those proceedings into a political confrontation of his own. That makes impeachment a double-edged sword: it could constrain his presidency, but it could also distract Democrats from delivering their own agenda.
“This is not a political move Democrats can afford to get halfway right. A failed attempt could end up strengthening the very president they are trying to constrain.”
What would need to happen for Donald Trump to be removed from office?
Removing Trump from office won’t be easy (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
While a Democratic-controlled Congress could significantly restrict Trump’s ability to implement his agenda, removing Trump would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, including substantial Republican support.
“But I think there is a bigger question for Democrats: Is removing Trump really their ultimate objective, or do they want to change the political direction of the entire administration?” Liu adds.
“Even if Trump were removed, JD Vance would become president. Democrats would not automatically regain the White House.
“And that raises another question: Who is their candidate, and what is their alternative vision for governing America? Democrats have demonstrated that they can unite to win congressional elections, but they have not yet settled on a presidential candidate for 2028.
“Impeachment may be a tool for political accountability, but it is not a strategy for taking back the presidency.
“Removing Trump is one thing. Replacing Trumpism is another.”
Where were the key battlegrounds?
Democrats flipped seats in several states (LADbible)
Democrats made significant gains in traditionally Republican territory, winning Senate contests in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina.
They also flipped seats in North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa and Maine, helping secure control of the Senate.
The results represented a dramatic reversal for Republicans, who had entered election night controlling both chambers.
What happens next?
Although election results have been coming through from 11pm UK time on Tuesday (3 November), the full picture developed overnight as polls closed across America. Some closely contested House races remain unresolved, with final counts potentially taking days.
Because the new Congress will convene on 3 January, it gives Democrats the opportunity to launch investigations and potentially pursue impeachment.
Until then, Republicans retain their existing congressional powers. Any attempt to remove Trump would still require Republican senators to turn against their own president.
Interview conducted by Jess Battison.
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