Trump Impeachment: Nancy Pelosi's dark power suit and Mace of Republic brooch at House vote sends home a powerful message
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 79, had opened the impeachment debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, December 19. She sported a sharp dark suit that reflected the solemn tone of the event.
She was seen standing next to a picture of the American flag which also featured a quote from the Pledge of Allegiance, "to the Republic for which it stands." As a speaker, Pelosi is central to the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. Her sartorial choice of outfit is worth noting, especially when it comes to the present historic event.
It is very common for politicians as well as public figures to use fashion and personal style to make subtle statements of power. Pelosi was also seen wearing a thin gold brooch of the Mace of the Republic, which is one of the oldest symbols of the US government. The mace is a symbol of the House of Representatives' authority in the legislative branch.
It is a ceremonial staff that usually rests by the speakers' desk. It has been historically used to restore order in the chamber. The act of Pelosi wearing the brooch means that she is the authoritative figure of the House. It also cements the political power that she holds in office as the Speaker. She had also been seen sporting the brooch before- once during Trump's 2019 State of the Union, and then at a press conference in October to announce the House's impeachment inquiry into Trump's relationship with Ukraine.
Trump has been formally impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The House considered two articles of impeachment. The first one charges him with abuse of power for allegedly pressuring the president of Ukraine to investigate his Democratic rivals while crucial US security aid was being withheld. The second one charges him with obstruction of Congress for stonewalling investigative efforts. The votes were 230 for impeachment and 197 against on the first count, 229-198 on the second.
The trial is expected to begin in January in the Senate, where a vote of two-thirds is necessary for conviction. While Democrats had the majority in the House to impeach Trump, Republicans control the Senate and few if any are expected to diverge from plans to acquit the president ahead of early state election-year primary voting.
Trump has slammed the whole affair calling it a “witch hunt,” a “hoax” and a “sham,” and sometimes all three. As the House debated the articles of impeachment throughout the day, Trump registered his anger with the process on Twitter, in all capital letters: “SUCH ATROCIOUS LIES BY THE RADICAL LEFT, DO NOTHING DEMOCRATS. THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON AMERICA, AND AN ASSAULT ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!!” he wrote.