Double Impeachment, Zero Consequences: The Trump Phenomenon

Aubrey Bier

     Presidential scandals have ruined reputations, careers, and lives. To mention a few, Alexander Hamilton was barred from running in 1800 for cheating on his wife, Monica Lewinsky’s life was ruined at the age of 22, and Nixon had to go on national television and claim he “was not a crook.” So, why is Donald Trump only getting a slap on the wrist for all three (give or take) of what should be career-ending scandals? 

UKRAINE:

     In mid-2019, President Trump was accused of allegedly breaking the law by pressuring Ukraine's leader, Vladimir Zelensky, to dig up damaging information on (at the time) former Vice-President Joe Biden. This childish act was in hopes for a reelection the following year. The House voted to impeach Trump, only the third president to suffer this fate. The vote fell just short of ⅔—resutling in essentially no punishment for unethical acts.

JANUARY 6th:

     In 2021, MAGA supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to “be wild and fight” (Trump’s EXACT quote). This (…riot?...attack?)  came immediately after a speech Trump had made. Once again, the House voted to impeach him. He was charged this time, becoming the first president in history to be impeached twice. As soon as he took office in 2024, Trump pardoned rioters that were arrested. 

28 WOMEN: 

     Since 1970, over 28 women have accused Trump of various acts of sexual misconduct (which will not be detailed here). Several former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contestants accused Trump of entering the dressing rooms of beauty pageant contestants while contestants were undressing. Trump has been accused of serious misconduct throughout the years, yet, little to no accountability has occurred.

     While many former presidents are rolling in their graves over all that Donald J. Trump has gotten away with, many followers of him couldn’t care less. In an age of uncertainty, we’re left wondering: Where is the line? When will the accusations and misconduct finally disqualify candidates to lead the United States? When it comes to politics, be careful who you support—and learn who politicians are under the makeup and cameras.