In 1999, the Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice.
In a landmark event that captured the attention of the nation, the United States Senate voted on February 12, 1999, to acquit President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. This decision marked a pivotal moment in American political history, concluding a months-long impeachment trial that had ignited widespread debate over governmental accountability, personal conduct, and the power dynamics within Washington.
The proceedings stemmed from allegations that Clinton had lied under oath about his extramarital affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, a scandal that emerged from a broader investigation led by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr. The House of Representatives had previously impeached Clinton in December 1998, making him only the second president in U.S. history to be impeached after Andrew Johnson in 1868.
The Senate trial, presided over by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, included extensive arguments from both sides. House prosecutors, known as impeachment managers, argued that Clinton’s actions constituted a serious breach of trust and undermined the integrity of the presidency. Conversely, Clinton’s defense team contended that the charges were politically motivated and did not warrant removal from office, emphasizing the importance of due process and the lack of direct evidence supporting the allegations.
When the votes were tallied, 55 senators voted for acquittal on the charges of perjury, while 45 voted for conviction. On the charge of obstruction of justice, 56 voted for acquittal, with 44 supporting conviction. This decisive outcome ensured Clinton's continuation as president, allowing him to complete his second term. The acquittal not only reaffirmed the resilience of his administration but also highlighted the deeply partisan divide within Congress, setting the stage for ongoing political battles in the years to come.