Jimmy Williams
Senate Democrats wasted no time in shutting down an impeachment trial against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The trial, which started just hours earlier, saw both articles of impeachment swiftly dismissed by the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Republicans, who aimed to highlight Mayorkas’ perceived failures in border security, faced embarrassment as their efforts were quickly thwarted. Despite threats of delaying tactics, Democrats easily handled the impeachment articles and motions to adjourn the Senate.
In a party-line vote, Democrats declared that the impeachment articles did not meet the constitutional threshold for high crimes or misdemeanors. This led to a rapid conclusion of the trial, with the Senate voting to end proceedings for good.
White House spokesperson Ian Sams applauded the Senate’s decision, emphasizing the baselessness of the impeachment.
“Once and for all, the Senate has rightly voted down this baseless impeachment that even conservative legal scholars said was unconstitutional,” said Sams.
“President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas will continue doing their jobs to keep America safe and pursue actual solutions at the border, and Congressional Republicans should join them, instead of wasting time on baseless political stunts while killing real bipartisan border security reforms.”
There was never a chance of Mayorkas being convicted, with Democrats making it clear from the outset that they intended to swiftly dispose of the impeachment. Republicans, however, criticized the speedy process, fearing it set a dangerous precedent for future impeachments.
Senator Josh Hawley voiced concerns over the implications of such rapid dismissals, suggesting it could discourage future impeachment attempts. Despite Republican objections, Senate Democrats remained steadfast in their decision.
Following the Senate’s dismissal of the articles, Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leaders condemned Democrats for bypassing their constitutional duties. They accused Mayorkas and the Biden administration of exacerbating border crises, labeling the impeachment as baseless.
In response, DHS spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg dismissed the impeachment as unfounded, asserting Mayorkas’ dedication to enforcing laws and protecting the country. She called on Congressional Republicans to support the department’s mission rather than engaging in political games.