The White House appears to be gearing up for the possibility of an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, amidst allegations of corruption. Reports indicate that a team of lawyers, legislative aides, and communications staff has been assembled to form a “war room” to counter GOP investigations. This preparation has been in progress since Republicans regained control of the House earlier this year, but it has gained more attention recently due to lawmakers hinting at the potential for impeachment and the approaching 2024 election cycle.
Biden’s defense team includes prominent figures like defense attorney Richard Sauber, former House Oversight Committee staff director Russ Anello, and former Building Back Together spokeswoman Sharon Yang. Incoming White House counsel Ed Siskel, with experience dealing with GOP investigations, is also part of the effort. White House spokesman Ian Sams has been actively responding to Republicans advocating for impeachment, characterizing it as a “partisan stunt driven by the most extreme, far-right members.”
House Republicans have conducted investigations into millions of dollars allegedly flowing from foreign nationals to members of Biden’s family, raising concerns about bribery and influence peddling. Biden has dismissed these allegations as baseless, while Democrats in Congress have focused more on charges against former President Donald Trump. The possibility of an impeachment inquiry raises questions about the political landscape as both Biden and Trump eye a second presidential term.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy has emphasized that any impeachment inquiry would require a floor vote, in contrast to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s unilateral approach during the first Trump impeachment effort. However, McCarthy faces challenges, including the need to navigate a rules package allowing one member to initiate a “motion to vacate,” potentially leading to a vote to remove the speaker.
Launching a formal inquiry could pose challenges, as some vulnerable GOP lawmakers may hesitate, while Democrats are likely to support Biden. The House Freedom Caucus, including prominent member Rep. Chip Roy, has also voiced concerns about prioritizing impeachment over addressing government spending and funding deadlines.
Public opinion on impeaching Biden remains divided, with 52% opposing it and 41% supporting it, according to a recent Wall Street Journal poll. Even if an inquiry were to proceed, the road to impeachment and conviction in a Senate controlled by Democrats would involve additional hurdles. McCarthy believes that the American public “deserves” to know if allegations of corruption within the Biden family hold any merit, suggesting that an impeachment inquiry could provide Congress with the necessary investigative powers.
