VIDEO Nancy Pelosi announces formal impeachment inquiry: watch live

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Pelosi announces formal impeachment inquiry, GOP reacts: watch live In a highly contentious political period, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally announced an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump on September 24, 2019. This significant announcement came in the wake of a whistleblower complaint regarding a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where it was alleged that Trump sought to leverage military aid in exchange for political investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Background on the Inquiry​

Pelosi's announcement marked a pivotal moment as her stance had traditionally been cautious about pursuing impeachment, reflecting a broader caution within the Democratic Party. However, the gravity of the whistleblower complaint prompted her to mobilize the House of Representatives towards formal proceedings, aimed at investigating allegations of misconduct that could constitute "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Key Points from Pelosi's Statement​

• Urgency of National Security: Pelosi emphasized the seriousness of Trump's actions as a violation of constitutional responsibilities, noting that the President's call amounted to a breach of national security and a betrayal of public trust.
• Role of the Intelligence Community: She referenced the Intelligence Community Inspector General’s designation of the complaint as credible and urgent, highlighting the law that mandates the Director of National Intelligence to disclose such complaints to Congress.
• Commitment to Accountability: Pelosi made it clear that the inquiry sought to ensure accountability for the presidency, stating, “No one is above the law.”

Republican Response​

In reaction, Republican leaders, including President Trump, labeled the inquiry as a "witch hunt," arguing that it was politically motivated. Trump asserted that his conversation with Zelensky was "perfect" and contended that the inquiry was a continuation of Democratic efforts to undermine his presidency since before he took office.

The Impeachment Process​

The inquiry set in motion a detailed process involving multiple committees tasked with investigating the claims. If the committees found sufficient grounds, articles of impeachment would be drafted and voted on by the full House. This would then move to the Senate for trial. As history progressed, Trump's presidency saw further investigations and debates surrounding the implications and outcomes of this inquiry, casting a long shadow over the political landscape moving into the 2020 election cycle.

Community Engagement​

As we revisit this landmark announcement, what are your thoughts on the effectiveness of impeachment as a political tool? Do you think Pelosi’s approach influenced subsequent political dynamics within Congress? Share your insights and perspectives below! This inquiry changed the political discourse permanently, marking a critical evaluation of presidential power and accountability that resonates into 2024.