Impeachment a trumped-up charge paralysing US politics

TL;DR

Richard Citrola argues the impeachment of Donald Trump is a trumped-up charge paralysing US politics.
Many Democrats see the push to remove Trump as beneath contempt and potentially backfiring.
The saga distracts from real issues affecting ordinary Americans like Citrola, a self-described little guy.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)

The story at a glance

American Richard Citrola vents frustration in The Australian over the impeachment process against President Donald Trump, calling it a trumped-up charge that has paralysed politics. He highlights division even among Democrats, many of whom view the effort with contempt and fear it could backfire. This opinion piece appeared amid the House Judiciary Committee's approval of impeachment articles in early December 2019.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)

Key points

Article authored by Richard Citrola, an American contributor expressing personal exasperation with the ongoing impeachment saga.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)
Impeachment described as a "trumped-up charge," implying it is weak, fabricated, or politically motivated.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)
Process has "all but paralysed American politics," preventing focus on everyday concerns.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)
Even many Democrats regard the push to oust Trump with contempt, seeing little value in it.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)
Effort risks becoming a "spectacular own goal" for Democrats, potentially strengthening Trump's position.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)
Citrola positions himself as "a little guy, I'm not a rich guy," affected by the political gridlock.[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)

Details and context

The piece reflects sentiment during Trump's first impeachment over his Ukraine phone call, as the House moved toward articles on abuse of power and obstruction just days after publication.[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_inquiry_into_Donald_Trump)

Paywall limits access to full text, but visible lead and snippets show Citrola's core complaint: partisan fighting distracts from governing, alienating even Democratic supporters.

No further details on Citrola's background or specific policy impacts emerge from reliable sources; the argument stays at a high level of political fatigue.

Key quotes

"Richard Citrola has had enough of the impeachment saga that has all but paralysed American politics."[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)
“I'm a little guy, I'm not a rich guy.” — Richard Citrola[[1]](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/why-impeachment-is-a-trumpedup-charge/news-story/af62ccdeecaaf747ac3087f261bc9ff2)

Why it matters

The opinion captures widespread exhaustion with hyper-partisan battles that stall US governance during a time of economic and foreign policy challenges. For average readers, it underscores how elite Washington fights hit ordinary people through delayed legislation and heightened division. Watch the Senate trial outcome in early 2020, though conviction appeared unlikely given Republican control.[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_inquiry_into_Donald_Trump)