Top U.S. Presidents Who Faced Impeachment

Select Language:

Explore the Notable U.S. Presidents Who Faced Impeachment

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

Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, holds the distinction of being the first sitting president to be impeached. His impeachment stemmed from political conflicts during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War. Johnson, who ascended to the presidency after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, clashed with Congress over how to reintegrate the Southern states and protect newly freed slaves. His opposition to radical Reconstruction policies led to a series of contentious vetoes and political disagreements. The House of Representatives impeached Johnson primarily for violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing his Secretary of War without Senate approval. Although he was impeached, Johnson narrowly avoided removal from office as the Senate acquitted him by just one vote, allowing him to serve out the remainder of his term.

Bill Clinton (1998) – The Second Impeachment in the Modern Era

Bill Clinton, the 42nd President, faced impeachment nearly a century after Johnson. His case was centered on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The scandal involved allegations of an extramarital affair between Clinton and Lewinsky, a White House intern, and Clinton’s subsequent false statements under oath. The House of Representatives impeached Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, but the Senate ultimately acquitted him, allowing him to remain in office. Despite his acquittal, Clinton’s tenure was marred by political controversy and a significant hit to his reputation, yet he remained popular among many Americans.

Donald Trump – The Only U.S. President Impeached Twice

In the 21st century, Donald Trump, the 45th President, became the first U.S. president to be impeached twice, marking a unique chapter in American political history. His first impeachment in 2019 stemmed from allegations that he solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden. The House of Representatives impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. However, he was acquitted by the Senate in early 2020.

Trump faced his second impeachment in 2021, following the events of January 6th, when a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol building. The House charged him with incitement of insurrection. This time, more senators voted to convict, but Trump was ultimately acquitted once again, since the Senate did not reach the necessary two-thirds majority. These impeachment trials reflect the deep political divisions that continue to define contemporary American politics.

Key Facts at a Glance

Total U.S. Presidents: 46
Presidents Impeached: 3
Presidents Removed from Office: 0

Image:

Note: The image showcases the iconic U.S. Capitol building, symbolizing the seat of American democracy and the epicenter of impeachment proceedings.

While impeachment remains a rare event in American history, its occurrences serve as a reflection of the political tensions and constitutional processes that define the nation’s governance. Despite facing impeachment charges, no U.S. president has been removed from office, underscoring the significant barriers to conviction and removal laid out in the Constitution. As 2025 unfolds, discussions about impeachment continue to resonate within political debates, emphasizing its role as a vital check on executive power.

For more updates on American politics and historical highlights, follow our news coverage.