Who has the authority to impeach a sitting President?

The House of Representatives has the authority to impeach a sitting President. Impeachment is a key aspect of the checks and balances established in the U.S. Constitution. The process begins in the House, where members investigate allegations of misconduct. If a majority of House members vote in favor of impeachment, the President is formally charged with wrongdoing.

This authority is essential as it allows the legislative branch to hold the President accountable for actions that may constitute "high crimes and misdemeanors." The subsequent process of trying the impeachment case occurs in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required for conviction and removal from office, underscoring the House's unique role in initiating impeachment proceedings.

In contrast, the Supreme Court does not have the authority to impeach; its role is to interpret laws and adjudicate cases, while the Vice President, although an essential part of the executive branch, does not have a voting role in impeachment proceedings.