A proposal to erase former President Trump's second impeachment from House records has sparked division among Republicans. While spearheaded by House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the symbolic gesture faces opposition within the GOP due to potential electoral ramifications.
Rep. Don Bacon expressed his reservations, stating the impeachment "is what it is, it happened." This sentiment reflects the concerns of several Republicans who believe revisiting the issue could be detrimental during upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Reps. Dan Newhouse and David Valadao, who voted to impeach Trump after the January 6th events, are expected to firmly oppose the expungement effort.
This internal debate coincides with Trump's recent federal indictment on 37 charges related to classified documents. Stefanik criticized the arraignment, calling it a "dark day" and accusing the Biden administration of weaponizing the federal government against Trump. She emphasized the importance of uniting behind Trump's 2024 presidential campaign to "restore the rule of law." The charges against Trump include willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements, marking the first time a former president has faced federal criminal charges in U.S. history.
