An Imperial Presidency?

Charging him with “incitement of insurrection” and describing him as a “clear and present danger” to the nation, the U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Donald Trump for a historic second time. Ten Republican members broke ranks and joined Democrats.

Coming in the waning days of Trump’s administration, the date of a Senate trial is still uncertain, but there are indications that it might proceed months later after the business of helping a new administration take root has been completed, and long after he has left office.

The stakes are straightforward. If Trump is convicted, then he will lose the right to hold future political office, as well as his presidential pension and security detail. He