Several U.S. presidents have faced impeachment, a constitutional process that begins in the House and can end in removal from office in the Senate. Understanding which president was impeached, and how each case unfolded, helps clarify how this power works in practice.
This guide walks through the facts without exaggeration, using clear tables and focused sections to explain the key moments, legal standards, and political consequences tied to presidential impeachment.
| President | Chamber of Impeachment | Primary Charge(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Johnson | Senate | Violation of the Tenure of Office Act | Acquitted by one vote; remained in office |
| Bill Clinton | Senate | Perjury and obstruction of justice | Acquitted on both charges; remained in office |
| Donald Trump | Senate | Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress | Acquitted on both charges; completed first term, later impeached a second time for incitement of insurrection |
| Donald Trump | Senate | Incitement of insurrection | Acquitted; left office prior to trial start |
Andrew Johnson And The Tenure Of Office Act
Andrew Johnson became the first president impeached in 1868 when the House voted to charge him with violating the Tenure of Office Act. The law restricted the president’s ability to remove certain officeholders without Senate approval, and Johnson’s dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton triggered the process. His defenders framed the conflict as a constitutional struggle between elected branches, while opponents saw it as a breach of administrative norms.
In the Senate trial, the narrowest vote fell one senator short of the two-thirds majority needed for removal. Johnson remained in office, but the episode set a lasting precedent that impeachment could be used to check presidential power even in politically sensitive areas such as cabinet appointments.
Bill Clinton And Perjury Charges
The Paula Jones And Lewinsky Investigations
The Clinton impeachment originated in a civil lawsuit brought by Paula Jones, which later intersected with the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Independent counsel Kenneth Starr expanded the investigation, ultimately recommending articles of impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice to the House.
House Action And Senate Trial
In December 1998, the House approved two articles of impeachment, and the case moved to the Senate. The Senate voted on each article, but neither reached the required supermajority, and Clinton was acquitted. The political aftermath intensified debates over the relevance of personal conduct for high office, though Clinton left office with strong approval ratings.
Donald Trump And Abuse Of Power
Donald Trump became the third president impeached when the House charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in 2019. The core allegation centered on efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, coupled with withholding military aid and White House meetings until Ukraine opened an investigation. The House managers argued that these actions placed personal political interests above national security.
During the Senate trial, a majority of senators voted to acquit on both charges, and Trump completed his term. This impeachment highlighted deep divisions over the standards for abuse of power and the extent to which foreign policy decisions could be scrutinized by Congress.
Second Trump Impeachment And Incitement Of Insurrection
Following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the House impeached Trump a second time on a single article of incitement of insurrection. The charge alleged that his speech at a rally and subsequent statements encouraged the violence that disrupted the certification of the electoral vote. Several Republicans joined Democrats in supporting impeachment, though many argued it was constitutionally problematic to try a former president.
The Senate proceeded with the trial after Trump had already left office, and again a supermajority failed to agree on removal. The case underscored questions about accountability after a president leaves office and the role of impeachment as a constitutional remedy for abuses at the end of a presidency.
Key Takeaways On Presidential Impeachment
- Impeachment is a House process, while removal from office requires a Senate conviction.
- No president has ever been removed from office through impeachment.
- Two presidents, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached but acquitted.
- Donald Trump is the only president impeached twice, on separate occasions for different conduct.
- Each impeachment reflected intense debates over the scope of presidential power and political accountability.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was Andrew Johnson impeached?
Andrew Johnson was impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without Senate approval.
What charges was Bill Clinton impeached on?
Bill Clinton was impeached on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Paula Jones lawsuit and the Monica Lewinsky investigation.
How was Donald Trump impeached the first time?
Donald Trump was impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival while withholding military aid and diplomatic support.
Why was Donald Trump impeached a second time?
Donald Trump was impeached a second time for incitement of insurrection following his role in the events leading to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.