What is an impeachment inquiry? Kevin McCarthy commences investigation against President Biden citing ‘culture of corruption’

Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, announced on Tuesday that he would authorize an impeachment investigation into President Joe Biden. McCarthy stated, “I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry,” citing allegations that the Democratic president had misled the American people regarding his son Hunter’s foreign business dealings.

McCarthy asserted, “House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations about President Biden’s conduct, which, when considered collectively, depict a culture of corruption.” Republicans have long targeted Hunter Biden’s business activities during his father’s tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama, though no credible evidence implicating the elder Biden in illegal activities has surfaced.

McCarthy, who has faced pressure from the party’s right-wing, aligned with former President Donald Trump, has been urged for months to initiate an impeachment inquiry against the 80-year-old Joe Biden.

The White House swiftly criticized the move, labeling it “extreme politics at its worst.” Ian Sams, the White House spokesman for oversight and investigations, stated on X (formerly Twitter), “House Republicans have been investigating the President for 9 months, and they’ve turned up no evidence of wrongdoing.”

What is an Impeachment Inquiry?

An impeachment inquiry is a formal investigation conducted by a legislative body to assess whether high-ranking government officials, like the President, have committed misconduct or “high crimes and misdemeanors.” It starts with the introduction of articles of impeachment, outlining alleged wrongdoing. Investigations follow, including hearings and evidence collection. If sufficient evidence is found, articles of impeachment are drafted, leading to a House vote. If a majority in the House supports the articles, the official is impeached. Subsequently, a Senate trial is held, requiring a two-thirds majority to remove the official from office. Impeachment is a political process, not a criminal one.