The US House of Representatives has taken a significant step by formally opening an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden - escalating a process that has been looming since Republicans regained control of the lower chamber in the 2022 midterm elections.
This move, marked by a recent House vote, comes amid allegations made by Republicans that President Biden and his family personally profited from his tenure as vice president during the Barack Obama administration. However, it's crucial to note that no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims, per The Guardian.
In response to this development, President Biden denounced these allegations as "lies," but the impeachment inquiry sets in motion a process that could potentially lead to his impeachment — a profound consequence for any sitting president.
Why Has This Vote Occurred Now?
Although informal investigations into President Biden's alleged wrongdoing began three months ago, per Reuters, the recent House vote formalizes and legitimizes the impeachment inquiry. Republicans argue that by authorizing the inquiry, the White House is now compelled to cooperate fully.
Previously, the White House had dismissed these investigations as illegitimate due to the absence of a formalized impeachment inquiry through a House vote. This move will force the White House to engage in the proceedings, responding to subpoenas and inquiries from congressional committees.
Furthermore, this inquiry provides Republicans with a platform to highlight their allegations of corruption against President Biden. It's worth noting that President Biden is preparing for a potential rematch in the upcoming 2024 presidential election against former President Donald Trump, who was the first US president to be impeached twice and is currently preparing for four criminal trials.
Is There Concrete Evidence Against President Biden?
Republicans have leveled accusations against President Biden and his family, primarily targeting his son - Hunter Biden - for profiting from his father's political position during the Obama administration. Investigations have led to the acquisition of nearly 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records and extensive testimonies from key witnesses, per PBS News.
However, while these investigations have raised ethical questions, no substantial evidence has emerged to indicate that President Biden engaged in corrupt practices or accepted bribes during his tenure as vice president or his current role as president.
As reported by CNN, One of Hunter Biden's former business associates, Devon Archer, testified under oath that Hunter had provided his foreign clients with an "illusion of access to his father." However, Archer also clarified that President Biden was not directly involved in their financial dealings.
Furthermore, President Biden faced scrutiny for inaccuracies in his public statements about his son's business dealings, such as falsely claiming during the 2020 presidential campaign that Hunter had not profited from business transactions in China. This statement was later contradicted by Hunter Biden himself, per The Guardian.
However, during a high-profile impeachment hearing in September, all three Republican expert witnesses admitted to lacking first-hand knowledge of any criminal activity by President Biden. Two of these witnesses conceded that the information presented thus far did not constitute corruption.
What Comes Next?
Formalizing the months-long impeachment inquiry ensures that the investigation will extend well into 2024, presenting a significant challenge for President Biden during an election year.
In the immediate future, this House action grants three Republican-controlled House committees leading the inquiry greater authority to issue subpoenas for documents and testimonies, with judges authorized to enforce these requests.
If these committees decide to proceed with impeachment, the full House of Representatives will vote on the matter. If the majority votes in favor, President Biden will be impeached.
The next step involves a Senate trial and vote to determine whether President Biden should be removed from office. It's essential to note that no president has been removed from office in US history, despite the House's impeachment of four presidents.
Will President Biden Be Impeached?
While historical precedent suggests a grim outlook for President Biden, the Republicans' slim majority in the House leaves little margin for error. All Republicans in the House voted to formally open the inquiry, but some representatives, particularly those from politically divided districts, have hesitated to support full impeachment, fearing significant political repercussions.
Representative Dusty Johnson expressed the importance of evidence, stating: "If we don't have the receipts, that should constrain what the House does long-term."
Other Republican voices, like Ken Buck, have accused their party of engaging in "retribution impeachments," while some have maintained that President Biden has "probably not" committed an impeachable offense.
Furthermore, the American public's support for President Biden's impeachment remains uncertain. A poll conducted by CNN in October indicated that 57% of Americans believed President Biden should not be impeached. This level of opposition to impeachment surpasses similar polls conducted during President Trump's two impeachment proceedings.
Even if the House votes to impeach President Biden, his removal from office is highly unlikely, as it would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate. With Democrats currently in control of the Senate, this outcome appears virtually impossible.
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