New York Times columnist dispassionately lays out the evidence that Trump has obstructed justice

An impeachment trial for President Trump isn't in the cards, David Leonhardt concedes at The New York Times — Republicans have shown "zero interest" and Democrats have no power and "need to focus on retaking Congress." Still, setting aside "realpolitik" considerations for a minute, he adds, "the evidence is now quite strong that Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice," the first article of impeachment against Presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.
Nixon and Clinton were presented with numbered lists of evidence "meant to show that the president had 'intentionally tried to subvert a federal investigation,'" Leonhardt notes; Nixon's list had nine items, and Clinton's had seven. Leonhardt made a list for Trump, and it had 10 items. "This list is based only on publicly available information," he said, and Special Counsel Robert "Mueller, no doubt, knows more." But even the publicly available information is pretty inculpatory, he added:
Obstruction of justice depends on a person's intent — what legal experts often call "corrupt intent." This list is so damning because it reveals Trump's intent. He has inserted himself into the details of a criminal investigation in ways that previous presidents rarely if ever did. ... And he has done so in ways that show he understands he's doing something wrong. He has cleared the room before trying to influence the investigation. He directed his son to lie, and he himself has lied. [The New York Times]
"Trump is unlikely to face impeachment anytime soon, or perhaps anytime at all," Leonhardt writes. "But it's time for all of us — voters, members of Congress, Trump's own staff — to be honest about what he's done. He has obstructed justice." Leonhardt isn't a firebrand like, say, Paul Krugman, and he isn't alone in suggesting impeachment — on Sunday's This Week, Clinton inquisitor Kenneth Starr said it may be time to start discussing the "I" word for Trump. Make of that what you will.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Toast to great drinks and gorgeous views at these 7 rooftop bars
The Week Recommends Elevate your typical night out
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Sudoku hard: February 24, 2025
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku medium: February 24, 2025
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection
Speed Read The longest-serving Senate party leader is retiring
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump reportedly wants to take over US Postal Service
Speed Read President Trump is making plans to disband the leadership of USPS and absorb the agency into his administration
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump seeks to end New York's congestion pricing
Speed Read The MTA quickly filed a lawsuit to stop the move
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump officials try to reverse DOGE-led firings
Speed Read Mass firings by Elon Musk's team have included employees working on the H5N1 bird flu epidemic and US nuclear weapons programs
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump blames Ukraine for war after US-Russia talks
Speed Read The US and Russia have agreed to work together on ending the Ukraine war — but President Trump has flipped America's approach
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Musk's DOGE seeks access to IRS, Social Security files
Speed Read If cleared, the Department of Government Efficiency would have access to tax returns, bank records and other highly personal information about most Americans
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Senate confirms RFK Jr. as health secretary
Speed Read The noted vaccine skeptic is now in charge of America's massive public health system
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump lays out plans for broad 'reciprocal' tariffs
Speed Read Tariffs imposed on countries that are deemed to be treating the US unfairly could ignite a global trade war and worsen American inflation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published