Democrat Backs Off Trump Impeachment Push Amid Party Pressure

In a twist that could only happen in Washington, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., has shelved his bold plan to force a vote on impeaching President Donald Trump. Thanedar’s seven articles of impeachment, introduced with the gusto of a rookie pitcher in the majors, were meant to hit the House floor via a privileged resolution, demanding action within two days. But the Democratic dugout wasn’t cheering.

House Democratic leaders, including Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called the move a distraction, urging Thanedar to stand down. Even Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar, D-Texas, labeled the effort 'unserious,' suggesting it was more about Thanedar’s spotlight than Trump’s accountability. Ouch.

Thanedar, undeterred at first, pointed to new allegations, including Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million private jet from Qatar, which even some Republicans have side-eyed. But after talks with colleagues, he announced on X he’d pause the vote, opting to beef up his impeachment articles instead. Translation: he’s not done swinging, but he’s back in the batter’s box for now.

The GOP, smelling blood, pounced. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called the impeachment push a 'sham' and a constitutional abuse, vowing to squash it. Meanwhile, the White House dismissed it as a 'desperate stunt,' insisting Trump’s actions are 'fully lawful' and backed by the American people.

Thanedar’s solo crusade has exposed Democratic fractures at a time when the party’s still licking its 2024 election wounds. Aguilar, referencing a marathon House Energy and Commerce Committee session on healthcare, stressed that impeachment talk is ill-timed when bigger issues—like protecting healthcare—are at stake. Trump, no stranger to impeachment (he’s faced it twice), remains unscathed for now.