Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) on Monday introduced seven long-shot articles of impeachment against President Trump.
Why it matters: It’s the first time this year a House Democrat has tried to impeach the president or a member of his administration — though it will almost certainly not be the last.
- Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who was censured last month for disrupting Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress, has said he is planning articles of impeachment as well.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) also privately floated impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard over Signalgate.
Driving the news: Thanedar — who garnered a second primary challenger on Monday morning — said in a statement that Trump is “unfit to serve as President and represents a clear and present danger to our nation’s constitution and our democracy.”
- “We cannot wait for more damage to be done. Congress must act,” he added.
- His articles of impeachment accuse Trump of obstruction of justice, abuse of power, usurpation of power, bribery and corruption — mostly related to the president’s consolidation of power and personal finances.
Reality check: The measures are almost certainly going nowhere, especially with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate.
- Thanedar could in theory force a vote on impeachment, but has not said if he will do so.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said at a press conference on Monday: “I haven’t evaluated the articles. I haven’t even had an opportunity to talk with him about it.”
- A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
