Proceedings would indicate cataclysmic rupture within Republican party, unprecedented in history of American politics
"Whether it will be about the Russia dossier or other scandals that are undoubtedly there, he has become a liability for the Republican party. At some point they will need to distance themselves from him in order to solidify reelection for the House."
In the US, impeachment is the first step in a constitutionally sanctioned two-stage process to remove a president from office for committing “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors”.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...nauguration-us-congress-illegal-a7525761.html