Washington, D.C. – The United States House of Representatives is set to launch a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, as confirmed by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy revealed that the inquiry will center around “allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption” by President Biden.
The move comes after months of Republican investigations into the president’s conduct since the GOP regained control of the House in January. While these inquiries have not yielded concrete evidence of misconduct by President Biden, they have brought to light additional details about the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, which Republicans view with suspicion. The investigations have also delved into President Biden’s awareness of his son’s activities.
During a brief statement at the U.S. Capitol, McCarthy asserted the existence of “serious and credible” allegations concerning the president’s actions. He contended that when these allegations are considered together, they paint a picture of a “culture of corruption.”
The White House swiftly responded to McCarthy’s decision, with White House spokesperson Ian Sams labeling it “extreme politics at its worst.” Sams emphasized that House Republicans have been scrutinizing the president’s actions for nine months without uncovering evidence of wrongdoing.
Hunter Biden is presently under federal investigation for potential tax-related offenses linked to his foreign business interests. McCarthy also alleged that President Biden’s family has received preferential treatment from Biden administration officials involved in investigating allegations of misconduct.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the initial step in a political process that could culminate in an impeachment vote within the House of Representatives. If such a vote garners approval by a simple majority, it could lead to a trial in the U.S. Senate.
This formal inquiry grants congressional investigators enhanced legal authority to examine the president. It enables them to issue subpoenas for documents and testimonies that can be more effectively enforced through legal channels. McCarthy, who leads House Republicans, has faced mounting pressure from right-wing members to initiate an impeachment inquiry.
Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, had reportedly been planning to threaten a vote to remove McCarthy if an impeachment inquiry were not launched.
McCarthy is currently navigating the passage of a series of spending bills through the House of Representatives, critical measures requiring approval by Congress before the end of September to avert a partial government shutdown. Nevertheless, the narrow Republican majority in the House means that McCarthy can only afford a limited number of defections in the face of unified Democratic opposition.
McCarthy’s decision to endorse impeachment carries potential political risks, especially concerning centrist Republicans representing competitive districts. They express concerns that an aggressive push for impeachment could alienate independent and moderate voters who propelled them to victory and secured the House majority for their party.
Notably, Democrats are highlighting McCarthy’s past criticism of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi in 2019 when she initiated an impeachment inquiry into then-President Trump without a formal vote. Such a move could become a point of contention in the lead-up to the November 2024 general election.
While McCarthy has only indicated approval for an impeachment inquiry at this stage, mounting pressure may drive a formal authorization vote in the House to establish the rules for impeachment hearings. Such a vote would hold centrists accountable and potentially provide fodder for Democratic campaign attacks.
The immediate challenge for McCarthy is managing conservative members of Congress who may seek to force a vote on his leadership position. An impeachment move, or at least a significant step in that direction, could provide the political breathing space necessary for him to navigate the challenges in the months ahead.
