Trump Impeachment: Outrage is abundant, votes are not

The growing chorus in Washington demanding the removal of Donald Trump reflects outrage—but not reality. Impeachment in the United States is not a moral exercise; it is a numbers game rooted in raw political power. That is precisely why a third attempt continues to stall.

Democratic lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hakeem Jeffries, have framed Trump’s conduct—particularly his Iran policy—as unconstitutional and dangerously reckless. Their language is severe, invoking war crimes, constitutional violations, and a disregard for congressional authority. Yet, outrage alone cannot secure removal.

The structural barrier is clear: Congress remains divided, and the Republican Party continues to stand firmly behind Trump. Impeachment requires not just a majority in the House but a two-thirds conviction in the Senate—an insurmountable threshold without bipartisan support. Political loyalty, electoral calculations, and fear of alienating Trump’s base outweigh institutional accountability.

At the same time, the deeper question persists, ­­­­­­ who benefits? From oil giants to the military-industrial complex, from Wall Street to powerful media tycoons, the pattern is difficult to ignore—his decisions often align with entrenched power interests. This perceived alignment reinforces Democratic accusations but does little to shift Republican resolve.

Complicating matters further is the ambiguity surrounding “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Critics argue that unilateral military action violates the Constitution. Supporters counter that the president, as commander-in-chief, possesses broad authority in national security matters. This legal grey zone provides sufficient cover for allies to dismiss even serious allegations as partisan maneuvering.

The alternative route—the 25th Amendment—remains politically unrealistic, requiring an internal revolt within the administration. Instead, Democrats are turning to more viable tools like the War Powers Resolution to restrain policy rather than remove the president.

A third impeachment attempt, without the numbers, risks political self-harm—strengthening Trump’s narrative while weakening institutional credibility. In Washington, outrage is abundant. Votes are not.

Ukrainian President rings NYSE bell, remotely

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy remotely rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. He appealed for billions of dollars in private investment to rebuild factories and industries destroyed by Russia.

Zelenskiy's government launched a platform of over 500 projects worth US$400 billion for foreign companies and private investors to help rebuild Ukraine's economy, even as the war with Russia drags on.

Zelenskiy appeared on a video screen behind the platform overlooking the NYSE floor where the opening bell is traditionally rung. Traders applauded and whooped while a banner read: "We are free. We are strong. We are open for business."

Fresh from a roundtable with top executives from JP Morgan, Pfizer and other US companies, Zelenskiy said in English that Ukraine was already rebuilding its economy, more than six months since the Russian invasion began.

"Ukraine is the story of a future victory and a chance for you to invest now in projects worth hundreds of billions of dollars to share the victory with us," he said.

Ukraine is also appealing for some US$5 billion in international aid each month to keep its economy running, in addition to military aid from NATO alliance members.

The United States and allies in Europe and Asia have already sent billions in humanitarian aid, weapons and other security spending, and officials are watching closely for any signs domestic political support could be flagging.

"Advantage Ukraine," the investment push, focuses on 10 key sectors, including the military-industrial complex, energy, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, woodworking, and logistics.

"It is necessary to invest in Ukraine now, and not wait for the end of the war," Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a statement.

Advertising group WPP is leading the marketing campaign for the initiative.

Svyrydenko told Reuters last month that Ukraine's economy should stabilize over the coming year and expand by as much as 15.5% in 2023, after a likely contraction of 30-35% this year.

On Tuesday, she said Ukraine was keen to bring back foreign direct investment, which she said had reached US$6.7 billion before the war. "The Russian invasion adjusted our short-term plans, but did not force us to abandon our strategic goals," she said.

Concerns about corruption had tempered foreign investor interest in Ukraine before the invasion.

The economy ministry is also providing grants to existing businesses, and has relocated 700 businesses from the frontlines of the conflict.