Fact check: Have any US presidents been impeached for abusing their war powers under Article II?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the comprehensive analysis of available sources, no US president has been impeached specifically for abusing their war powers under Article II of the Constitution. The sources consistently show that while presidents have faced impeachment proceedings, none were related to war powers violations.

Historical impeachment cases mentioned include:

• Andrew Johnson - impeached but not for war powers issues ^{[1] [2]}
• Richard Nixon - faced impeachment proceedings but resigned before completion, not related to war powers ^{[1] [2]}
• Bill Clinton - impeached for obstruction of justice and other charges, not war powers ^{[1] [2]}
• Donald Trump - impeached twice, including for "incitement of insurrection" related to January 6th events, not for war powers abuse ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important constitutional context that emerges from the analyses:

• Presidents routinely stretch military authority: Sources reveal that presidents have been "stretching the limits of their authority to use military force without congressional approval" and that "presidents' ordering military action without Congress' approval has become routine" ^[4]
• Constitutional tension exists: There is an ongoing debate between presidential war powers under Article II and congressional authority, with sources noting that "Congress has the power to declare war and that presidents have found ways to sidestep Congress in war matters" ^[5]
• War Powers Resolution workarounds: Presidents have used the War Powers Resolution to "justify military actions without congressional approval" rather than seeking proper congressional authorization ^[6]
• Recent constitutional debates: The analyses show there are current discussions about "the constitutional debate surrounding President Trump's actions" regarding war powers, indicating this remains a live constitutional issue ^[7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it is posed as an inquiry rather than making a claim. However, the question's framing could potentially:

• Imply precedent exists: By asking specifically about impeachment for war powers abuse, it might suggest such cases have occurred when the evidence shows they have not
• Oversimplify constitutional complexity: The question doesn't acknowledge the nuanced constitutional framework where presidents have found various ways to exercise military authority without triggering impeachment proceedings, even when acting without explicit congressional approval

The analyses demonstrate that while war powers disputes are common and constitutionally significant, they have not risen to the level of impeachment charges against any president in US history.