Trump’s Crowning Achievement: The Art of Impeachment

By, WPS News History Correspondent
Baybay City | January 25, 2025

In a historical political saga that could only be penned by the grand master of theatrics, former President Donald J. Trump has undeniably claimed the title of the first U.S. president to be impeached not once, but twice. Yes, you read that correctly—twice! Who knew that holding the highest office in the land came with such a prestigious feather in the cap, courtesy of the GOP elite? The very party that professes loyalty to conservative values has demonstrated an unparalleled enthusiasm for enabling a circus that seems to endlessly unfold.

The saga began in 2019, when the House of Representatives, led by Democrats, pulled the lever on a blockbuster impeachment reflecting the Ukraine scandal. Trump was charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress—a sordid little affair where he allegedly pressured Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. One might wonder, in a country that prides itself on democratic values, how a sitting president could think it was reasonable to lean on foreign nations for electioneering. But, fear not, dear citizens! The GOP was quick to come running to Trump’s rescue. With a fervor usually reserved for tackling taxes or issues of gun rights, they ensured he would remain untouched by the rule of law.

After a trial in the Senate, where the most consequential witnesses decided to play hide and seek, the outcome was, with a degree of predictability, an acquittal. Picture the scene—it was like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat, except the rabbit was the Constitution, and it was hidden behind closed doors. The GOP elite smiled, posing for photos with their favorite illusionist at the helm, while the everyday American watched from the sidelines, feeling a sense of bewilderment at this grand display of political drama.

Fast forward to 2021, when we witnessed the sequel—an encore performance that would make Broadway envious. The Capitol riot, a regrettable moment in American history, provided the backdrop for Trump’s second impeachment. This time, he was charged with incitement of insurrection. The mob that stormed the Capitol, motivated by his rallying cries, forced naked and utterly unattractive truths into the light. But once again, the antics of the GOP elite shone through like a lighthouse in a storm; they rushed to Trump’s side, dismissing the gravity of the charges with a flick of their wrist. When pundits said democracy was at stake, they responded with incredulous laughter.

The impeachment trial that followed—an event characterized by a debauched display of political theater—led to yet another acquittal for Trump. It was like a well-rehearsed routine, a comedy of errors staged for an audience craving something real but receiving only farce. Time and time again, questions arose about the lengths the GOP would go to protect their crown jewel, a man who had flirted with authoritarianism on his quest for power.

For the average American, the reality of these impeachments stings. Each episode of this grand spectacle came with a price tag attached to it—not just in terms of political capital, but also in shattered ideals. The people were sold out, sacrificed on the altar of the GOP elite’s insatiable thirst for power and control. Meanwhile, the political class continues to engage in their game of chess, while the rest of the country feels like mere pawns, caught in the crossfire of a power struggle they never signed up for. Anxiety levels rose as citizens watched an unseemly display of loyalty overshadow basic governance, and what was meant to be a political institution fueled by the will of the people transformed into a stage for self-serving elites.

As the dust settled after both impeachments, the country remained deeply divided. Many Americans were left grappling with the implications of being represented by leaders more concerned about party loyalty than accountability. One can only imagine how future generations will review this chapter in American history. Will they view it as a failure of democracy? Or will they find the humor in a political episode that longed for seriousness yet delivered punchlines instead?

In the end, Trump’s dual impeachments stand as a testament to the endurance of political antics, reminding everyone that when democracy becomes theater, the people often end up as the unwitting audience, waiting for a punchline that never quite lands. The narrative is far from over, as party lines continue to blur in a dramatic spectacle that can only be described as a uniquely American saga—one characterized by relentless power plays, unyielding loyalists, and a public left to hope that they might someday reclaim their role as the protagonists in their own governance story.

And so, one must ask: What will be Trump’s next act? With the GOP elite still whispering sweet nothings into the ears of their favored figurehead, and a divided populace yearning for unity, the stage is set for yet another round of drama. The political chess game is far from finished, and while the pawns may feel sacrificed, they still possess the potential to shift the tides in this ongoing saga. Will they step up to reclaim their narrative, or will they remain silent witnesses to the show? Only time will tell, as the characters in this political opera continue their enthralling dance of ambition, scandal, and, perhaps, redemption.