Listen To Story Above
The first impeachment attempt against Donald Trump’s potential second term has already begun, spearheaded by the progressive organization Free Speech For People. The group launched their campaign immediately following Trump’s inauguration, marking an early start to opposition efforts against the newly reinstated president.
Free Speech For People, a self-described non-partisan organization focusing on various progressive causes, has historically concentrated on issues like combating voter suppression and regulating campaign finance, particularly following the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
“Trump’s return to the White House poses an unprecedented threat to our democracy,” says John Bonifaz, organization president.
🤣 Democrats have already filed articles of impeachment against President Trump pic.twitter.com/11o8xruAZr
— Joe Dan Gorman (@JoeDanMedia) January 24, 2025
“During his campaign and in the months before his inauguration, Donald Trump engaged in unlawful, unconstitutional conduct and threatened more. He has once more positioned himself to abuse the office for personal profit and power in violation of clear constitutional commands and at the expense of our democratic institutions, constitutional precedent, and the safety of our country’s most vulnerable.”
The organization’s impeachment petition centers on alleged violations of two constitutional provisions: Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 and Article II, Section 1, Clause 7. These clauses address the acceptance of benefits or compensation from foreign entities and restrictions on presidential compensation.
The first clause states: “No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.”
The second reads: “The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, or any of them.”
According to the organization’s statement, “Trump has refused to sell his ownership stake in companies through which he is assured to receive substantial payments from foreign governments in violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause. At least five foreign governments pay a combined $2 million per month in fees for their units in Trump World Tower; and because all five of these foreign governments are currently paying Trump these monthly fees, Trump is in violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause from the moment he took the oath of office.”
On the Impeachment Watch. It's been 10 days since Donald Trump was last impeached. How long until we demand Trump's impeached & removed? Capital Police Officer Michael Fanone tells Oath Keeper Stuart Rhodes to Go F* yourself after listening to his lies. #Impeach47Now #FillerWords pic.twitter.com/0Ih0pVU60M
— Peter Filler (@Peter_Filler) January 23, 2025
This argument overlooks key distinctions between Trump’s business background and other political figures. Trump entered politics after establishing himself in the private sector, where his brand naturally attracted wealthy clientele. This differs significantly from career politicians who developed business connections during their time in office.
The organization’s petition extends beyond emoluments concerns, alleging additional impeachable offenses during Trump’s 2024 campaign, including claims of threatening violence against political opponents and journalists, using inflammatory rhetoric affecting immigrant communities, and violating campaign finance regulations.
These accusations, however, lack substantial supporting evidence and appear to primarily reflect policy disagreements rather than legitimate grounds for impeachment. While this initial impeachment effort may not be the last attempt during Trump’s second term, its weak foundation suggests limited potential for success.