January 14, 2021
Impeaching Donald Trump Was a Good Idea, by Victor Menaldo
Was impeaching Donald Trump a good idea? If so, why?
Yes. For several reasons. First, it is an entirely just response to his behavior. Second, it is perfectly legal, given that he (a) stoked an insurrection against a separate branch of government that led to several deaths and could have contributed to the injury or death of elected officials, including his own vice-president and (b) tried to tamper with elections to a federal office and (c) otherwise violated his oath of office by spreading lies about electoral fraud, among several other transgressions. Third, it holds him accountable for these actions. Fourth, it might bar him from ever running from office again and this is good because Trump has proven himself a threat to our republic, values, institutions, and democracy. Fifth, it might deter current and future officeholders from abusing their office and powers. Sixth, it is an indelible stain on Trump’s presidency that will be recorded for future generations. Seventh, it sends a message to the rest of the world that we are a nation governed first and foremost by the rule of law. Last, it aids the campaign to condemn all kinds of extra-legal behavior and political violence across the US and everywhere else.
What challenges will impeachment create for the Biden Administration?
It will distract from his presidential agenda. It might fan the flames of further polarization and division. It might make it harder for President-elect Biden to unite the nation.
Albertus and Menaldo (2018) demonstrate that democracy lasts longer when outgoing executives enshrine protections against prosecution for themselves. Is this a bad sign for American democracy?
Democracy lasts longer when outgoing executives protect themselves from prosecution, at least on average. This is not always the case though. And, what obtains when outgoing executives gain protection from punishment is not always a more effective, fair, or egalitarian democracy, even if it makes the democracy more stable. The United States today may be the exception that proves the rule: if Trump is not punished, it may embolden further escalations of incendiary rhetoric and political action that chafes against the Constitution and is a threat to the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the institutions and values that underpin liberal democracy. That does not mean there may not be a sharp tradeoff nonetheless.
Impeachment, however just, warranted, and effective over the long run in deterring bad behavior that harms our democracy, may in the short run aggravate some of the problems that beset the country. This may especially be the case if Trump supporters see it as a vindictive, arbitrary, or hypocritical partisan act. The jury is still out on that.
The good thing this time around is that 10 Republican members of Congress voted for impeachment in the House on January 13th 2021, including Representative Liz Cheney, an influential and respected congresswoman. Also, Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate Majority leader, has strongly hinted that he may vote in favor of convicting President Trump, along with other Republican Senators. That means that the second impeachment of Trump is already much more bipartisan than the first one and may garner yet more support from Republicans going forward, especially as more facts about the Capitol Riot come out. Specifically, if further evidence of conspiracy and sedition emerges.
