On May 21, former White House counsel Don McGahn defied a congressional subpoena and refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee.

Why? Because Donald Trump explicitly ordered him not to. That puts McGahn in the same category as Attorney General William Barr, who also refused to attend a hearing.

Congress has considered holding Barr—and other Trump officials—in contempt, a process that could potentially result in jail time. But at this point, we know that won't be enough to hold Trump and his administration accountable.

"We are now at the point where we must begin an impeachment inquiry," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington). "I don't say that lightly. We've taken every step we can w/subpoenas and witnesses. Trump obstructs everything. A president who thinks he's king, accountable to nobody & above the law is absolutely unacceptable."

An impeachment inquiry would involve holding hearings, examining witnesses, and scrutinizing documents. This process would allow the House to determine whether or not it should impeach the president. And by shedding light on Trump's actions, it could help build public support for removing him from office, should Congress eventually vote to impeach.

Jayapal is not alone: More and more Democrats have come out in favor of commencing an impeachment inquiry. It's time to act.

Sign the petition: Congress must start an impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump's actions.