Donald Trump impeached in historic House vote in US
Republican becomes only third US president to be impeached and now faces trial in Senate
By Suzanne Lynch in Washington for the Irish Times
History was made on Wednesday night as Donald Trump became only the third US president to be impeached.
The 435-member House of Representatives voted to impeach Mr Trump on two articles of impeachment – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress – concluding that Mr Trump committed impeachable offences in his dealings with Ukraine.
Despite signs earlier in the week that several moderate Democrats from Trump-friendly districts could break with House speaker Nancy Pelosi and vote against impeachment, Ms Pelosi easily secured the 216 votes necessary.
On the first article of impeachment, 229 Democrats voted in favour, and they were joined by one Independent. All 187 Republicans voted against, in addition to two Democrats – Collin Peterson and Jeff Van Drew – who also voted against proceeding with impeachment on October 31st.
On the second article of impeachment – obstruction of Congress – three Democrats broke ranks, with Jared Golden of Maine joining Mr Peterson and Mr Van Drew in voting against the motion.