Here’s what happened.
A growing number of Republicans are pushing to erase President Donald Trump’s two impeachments from the official House record, setting up what could become one of the most controversial political fights heading into the midterm elections.
Supporters argue the impeachment efforts were driven by partisan politics rather than facts. Critics say history should remain untouched.
Now, newly declassified documents and renewed interest from top Republican leaders are bringing the issue back into the national spotlight.
Republicans Say New Evidence Changes Everything
The push gained momentum after the Trump administration released previously classified material connected to the investigation that led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Many conservatives believe the newly released information raises serious questions about the credibility of witnesses and the overall basis for the impeachment proceedings.
President Trump has made clear he believes the impeachments never should have happened.
“I did nothing wrong,” Trump said during a recent interview. “It was a rigged situation.”
While Trump has shared articles discussing the effort on Truth Social, he has largely stayed out of the public debate.
“If they want to do it, I’m honored,” he said.
Mike Johnson Signals Support
House Speaker Mike Johnson is among the Republicans openly discussing whether Congress should revisit Trump’s impeachment record.
Johnson recently revealed that he has spoken with Trump and several legal experts about the possibility of formally expunging the impeachments.
According to Johnson, evidence that has surfaced since the original proceedings strengthens the argument that Congress should reconsider its actions.
“The more evidence that comes out, the stronger the case becomes,” Johnson said.
While he acknowledged that Congress has other priorities, Johnson argued that lawmakers should eventually address what many Republicans view as a political wrong.
Trump Was Impeached Twice — But Never Removed
Trump remains the only president in American history to be impeached twice.
The first impeachment came in 2019 over his phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The second followed the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
In both cases, the Senate voted to acquit Trump, meaning he was never removed from office.
That fact remains central to the argument made by Republicans who support expungement.
They contend that because Trump was acquitted, the impeachments should not continue to be used as a political weapon.
New Resolution Already Filed
The effort is no longer just a discussion.
Rep. Darrell Issa has already introduced legislation that would formally declare both impeachments expunged from the House record.
The resolution would treat the impeachment articles as though they had never passed the House of Representatives.
More than twenty Republican lawmakers have signed on in support.
Not Every Republican Agrees
Despite growing support among conservatives, some Republicans remain skeptical.
Retiring Rep. Don Bacon dismissed the proposal and argued that impeachment proceedings are part of the historical record regardless of political disagreements.
“What happened is history,” Bacon said.
His comments highlight an ongoing divide inside the Republican Party over whether lawmakers should focus on past battles or future priorities.
Could Congress Act After The Midterms?
According to reports, congressional leaders are not expected to take up the issue before voters head to the polls.
That means any action would likely come after the midterm elections.
Still, the discussion is expected to intensify as Republicans continue examining newly released documents and debating the legacy of Trump’s two impeachments.
Whether Congress ultimately votes to expunge the impeachments or not, the issue is once again placing Trump’s presidency at the center of Washington’s political debate.
