Majority of Voters Support Impeachment of President Trump for Third Time

A recent poll conducted by Lake Research Partners from March 26-30 reveals that a majority of likely U.S. voters support impeaching President Donald Trump for a historic third time. The survey, commissioned by the legal advocacy organization Free Speech for People (FSFP), indicates that 52% of respondents favor impeachment, with significant backing from various demographic groups. This includes 84% of Democrats, 55% of Independents, and 14% of Republicans, while 40% oppose the move.

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The poll's findings are notable as they reflect a broad consensus across partisan lines, with David Mermin from Lake Research Partners describing the results as "a clear majority" that spans demographics. The poll surveyed 800 respondents, with a margin of error of +/-3.5%.

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FSFP has outlined over 25 grounds for impeachment, with two primary accusations gaining attention. The first alleges that Trump has committed atrocities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, violating both U.S. and international law. The second claims that he has weaponized federal law enforcement, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to suppress political dissent and instill fear in communities. These points were included in the polling question, which asked respondents about their support for impeachment based on these actions.

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Mermin contextualized the current polling within historical precedents, noting that while majorities favored impeachment during the Nixon era, such sentiments were less common during the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton. He emphasized that this current poll represents the earliest in a presidential term that a majority of Americans have expressed support for impeachment.

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Despite the polling support, the political landscape remains complex. Both chambers of Congress are narrowly controlled by Republicans, who have largely refrained from challenging Trump’s actions, including his military engagements abroad. Although Representatives Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) and Al Green (D-Texas) have introduced articles of impeachment, these efforts have not progressed significantly.

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Trump himself has acknowledged the potential for impeachment, stating, "I'll get impeached," should Democrats gain control in the upcoming midterm elections. This acknowledgment underscores the political stakes involved as the nation approaches the November elections.

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John Bonifaz, co-founder and president of FSFP, remarked that the polling results reflect a growing public consensus that Trump poses a direct threat to the Constitution and the rule of law. He stated, "This poll confirms what we are seeing across the country: The American people understand that Donald Trump must be impeached and removed from public office."

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While the polling indicates significant support for impeachment, there is no current impeachment proceeding in the House, and the lack of movement on this front raises questions about the feasibility of such actions. The political dynamics within Congress may hinder the progression of impeachment efforts despite public sentiment.

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• “It's a clear majority. It's a solid majority. And it reaches across all demographics and across partisan lines as well.” — David Mermin, Pollster

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• “this poll confirms what we are seeing across the country: The American people understand that Donald Trump poses a direct threat to our Constitution and to the rule of law and must be impeached and removed from public office.” — John Bonifaz, Co-founder of Free Speech for People

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