After months of threats and speculation, Wednesday afternoon Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) has formally introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump. The congressman charges that during the federal investigation of Russian’s interference in the 2016 election, the president obstructed justice.
Sherman argues that Trump’s firing of former FBI Director James Comey in May is the key accusation against the president. He cites Comey’s allegations that he was pressured to drop the probe into the possible collusion with the Russian government to swing the election to Trump.
The allegation specifically targeted former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Comey was asked to cease his probe of Flynn. Sherman was also motivated by Trump’s vacillations on the firing of Comey.
Trump changed his story on why he fired Comey, insisting at first that it was because of the way he was handling the investigation of Hillary Clinton. Later, he admitted that the Russian probe was on his mind when Comey was fired.
Only one Democrat, Al Green of Texas, has voiced support for impeachment. He had made a similar effort that flickered out.
Sherman’s articles are sure to meet the same fate, particularly if it ever comes to a vote in the Republican controlled House.