By: Hannah Ryan

Background:

On August 12, Donald Trump called Volodymyr Zelensky, a former TV star and now the president of Ukraine, and threatened to withhold money from Ukraine if Zelensky does not launch an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden. Since this violates the law, a whistleblower, a third party whose identity cannot be revealed, told the FBI about the call. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, launched an impeachment inquiry into this claim and into the president. Since then more claims have been made.

As of November 1st: 

On October 31st, the House voted to go ahead in the impeachment inquiry. This requires public hearings of Trump and more investigation into the call. The hearings will start before Thanksgiving.

As of December 2nd:

On November 20th, Donald Trump gave a speech regarding the impeachment and the quid pro quo that the impeachment is based on. He said “I want nothing. I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo.” (CBS) This speech was in regard to the testimony of Ambassador Gordon Sondland. 

The hearings have started! However, Trump has decided to not defend himself in front of congress. 

“This baseless and highly partisan inquiry violates all past historical precedent, basic due process rights, and fundamental fairness,” said White House counsel Pat Cipolle to the head of the House Judiciary Committee. (USA Today) Trump has another opportunity to defend himself in front of the House, and his deadline to decide is December 6th. 

These are just the main events of the impeachment so far, so stay tuned for more updates!