WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic lawmaker has temporarily backed down from his controversial initiative to impeach President Donald Trump following criticism from colleagues within his party. Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan, who had proposed the impeachment resolution, emphasized his commitment to protecting the Constitution, stating that as an immigrant, he felt compelled to act. However, due to lack of support from party leaders, Thanedar decided against forcing a vote that was expected to fail.
On social media, Thanedar expressed his intentions to expand the articles of impeachment, suggesting that additional charges could include Trump's acceptance of a free Air Force One replacement from Qatar. He vowed, "I will continue to pursue all avenues to put this President on notice and hold him accountable for his many impeachable crimes."
This initiative marks the third time President Trump has faced impeachment efforts. He was previously impeached twice during his first term—first in 2019 for withholding military aid to Ukraine and again for inciting insurrection following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack by his supporters. Trump was acquitted by the Senate in both instances.
Thanedar's decision to back off comes after discussions with fellow House Democrats and conversations with senior party members, who advised him to reconsider the resolution. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who served as the lead manager during Trump’s second impeachment, highlighted that impeachment is a blend of law and political strategy. Raskin pointed out that, currently, Democrats do not possess the political capital to succeed in an impeachment effort.
Despite the setback, Thanedar is not the only Democrat showing support for impeachment against Trump, but his solitary approach has raised concerns, especially as he faces political competition in his Detroit-area congressional district. Democratic leaders criticized the timing of his resolution, describing it as a distraction from pressing issues, such as a Republican tax cut bill that threatens important social programs.
Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, reiterated that the party’s focus should be on immediate concerns, including health care and nutrition assistance. Other Democrats echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lack of support for impeachment within the party. Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia remarked that there was no established precedent or hearings backing Thanedar's push for impeachment.
In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, dismissed Thanedar's impeachment attempt as a "sham" and "an embarrassing political stunt," vowing that the Republican majority would vote it down. Thanedar's resolution, which asserts that Trump has committed "high crimes and misdemeanors," arose while Trump was on a significant foreign trip to the Middle East, violating a longstanding norm of refraining from criticizing presidential actions during such trips.
Thanedar explained that he feels pressured to act, citing his constituents' expectations and stating, "It’s time for us to stand up and speak." He expressed concern that issues surrounding Trump's potential conflicts of interest, especially related to his personal business dealings abroad, warrant action.
Impeachment has become more prevalent in Congress in recent years, with Republicans having initiated an impeachment inquiry against then-President Joe Biden but not advancing it to formal charges. They did manage to impeach Biden's Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, although the Senate dismissed those articles of impeachment.
Thanedar, who emigrated from India with limited resources, expressed his deep affection for the United States and his desire to uphold its Constitution. His entry into the Detroit congressional district represented a significant change, as it marked the first time in decades that the city did not have a Black representative in Congress.
