Over the course of the history of United States, only three presidents have been impeached.
Here are the front pages of the Scranton papers announcing the news to readers.
The Scranton Republican – March 3, 1868
Andrew Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives on March 2-3, 1868 on 11 charges. The charges included the firing of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, appointing a replacement without Senate approval, seizing of department of war property, issuing military orders that would violate federal law, making speeches that ridicule Congress and for bringing disgrace to the office of the president.
His trial started a few days later with Chief Justice Salmon Chase presiding. The final votes on verdict took place in May. On each count the senators voted 35-19, one vote shy of conviction.
The Sunday Times – Dec. 20, 1998
Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives on Dec. 19, 1998 on two charges – that he lied to grand jury and that he obstructed justice related to lawsuit brought against him by Paula Jones.
His trial began on Jan. 7, 1999 with Chief Justice William Rehnquist presiding. After days of testimony, the Senate voted on February 12 and found Clinton not guilty on both charges.
The Times-Tribune – Dec. 19, 2019
Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives on Dec. 18, 2019 on charges of obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
