Impeached U.S. Presidents Including Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton

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A Look Back at U.S. Presidents Who Faced Impeachment Proceedings

Andrew Johnson: The First U.S. President Impeached (1868)

Andrew Johnson’s presidency was marked by intense political conflict following the Civil War. His approach to Reconstruction policies and frequent clashes with Congress ultimately led to his impeachment. In 1868, the House of Representatives passed eleven articles of impeachment against Johnson, primarily accusing him of violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing his Secretary of War without Senate approval. The impeachment trial in the Senate resulted in Johnson narrowly avoiding removal from office by a single vote, with the final tally at 35 guilty to 19 not guilty—one vote short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Johnson’s impeachment remains a critical moment in American political history, reflecting the volatile dynamics of post-Civil War Reconstruction.

Bill Clinton: The 20th Century’s Most Notable Impeachment (1998)

Bill Clinton’s presidency faced one of the most prominent impeachment efforts in recent history. In 1998, the House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment against Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, related to his extramarital affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The scandal erupted into a full political turmoil, capturing national attention. The Senate conducted a trial, and in February 1999, Clinton was acquitted on both counts, remaining in office. His impeachment was a reflection of a deeply divided political landscape, and it sparked ongoing debates about morality, power, and accountability in American politics.

Donald Trump: The First Presidency Impeachment (2019)

Donald Trump made history as the first U.S. president to be impeached twice. His first impeachment in 2019 stemmed from allegations that he solicited foreign interference from Ukraine to influence the 2020 election. The House of Representatives charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The Senate trial resulted in acquittal in February 2020, with Republicans largely supporting the president and Democrats pushing for removal. Despite being acquitted, Trump’s first impeachment underscored the deep partisan divisions within Congress and American society.

Donald Trump: The Second Impeachment (2021)

Trump’s second impeachment occurred shortly after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The House charged him with incitement of insurrection, alleging that his rhetoric and false claims about election fraud provoked violent mobs attempting to overturn the election results. The Senate trial in February 2021 led to Trump’s second acquittal, though it was the most bipartisan impeachment vote in U.S. history, with seven Republicans voting to convict. The episode reaffirmed the contentious nature of Trump’s presidency and marked a historic moment in the country’s political landscape.