Michigan Democrat Shri Thanedar has filed seven articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, just as Trump settles into his new term in office, claiming the president is “unfit” and a “clear and present danger” to democracy.
Quick Takes
- Rep. Shri Thanedar introduced seven articles of impeachment against President Trump, including charges of obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and bribery.
- Thanedar claims Trump poses a “clear and present danger” to the Constitution and democracy, while the White House insists all presidential actions are lawful.
- The impeachment effort is unlikely to succeed in the GOP-controlled House and lacks support even from some Democratic leaders.
- This marks Democrats’ third impeachment attempt against Trump, following two failed efforts during his first term.
- Critics view the move as a desperate political maneuver that may backfire for Democrats already struggling with low approval ratings.
Democrats Restart Impeachment Efforts
Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan has launched a new impeachment initiative against President Donald Trump, introducing seven articles of impeachment just months into Trump’s second term. Thanedar, who has represented Michigan’s 13th district since early 2023, announced the impeachment articles, claiming the president is unfit for office. The formal charges include “Obstruction of Justice and Abuse of Executive Power,” “Usurpation of Appropriations Power,” “Abuse of Trade Powers and International Aggression,” “Violation of First Amendment Rights,” “Creation of an Unlawful Office,” “Bribery and Corruption,” and “Tyrannical Overreach.”
This marks the third impeachment attempt Democrats have launched against Trump, who was previously impeached twice during his first term but never convicted by the Senate. Political observers note that this latest effort faces even steeper odds of success given Republicans’ control of the House of Representatives. While Thanedar appears determined to pursue impeachment, even some Democratic leaders have expressed skepticism about the strategy, with many preferring to focus on winning elections rather than impeachment proceedings that are unlikely to succeed.
The President is attacking me because I filed Articles of Impeachment, asking “What the hell did I do?”
It's all in my seven articles of impeachment:
1. Defying a 9-0 Supreme Court ruling.
2. Dismantling federal agencies.
3. Imposing damaging tariffs.
4. Violating First… pic.twitter.com/hdrFHs1bjw— Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) April 30, 2025
Claims and Counterclaims
Thanedar has made strong accusations against the president, asserting that Trump represents an immediate threat to American democracy. “Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that he is unfit to serve as President and represents a clear and present danger to our nation’s constitution and our democracy,” Thanedar said in his announcement. The congressman further claimed that Trump’s actions have “subverted the justice system, violated the separation of powers, and placed personal power and self-interest above public service.”
The White House has firmly rejected these allegations. Spokesperson Liz Huston defended the president, stating that “every action taken by President Trump and his administration is fully lawful and firmly rooted in the will of the American people.” Huston went further, accusing Democrats of prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens, noting that Trump is “doing exactly what he promised: securing our border, bringing in trillions of dollars in investment to America, and restoring common sense leadership.”
Limited Democratic Support
While Thanedar has taken the initiative with these impeachment articles, his efforts appear to lack widespread support even within his own party. Several Democratic leaders have openly questioned the feasibility and strategic wisdom of pursuing impeachment at this time. Representative Peter Aguilar and Senator Ruben Gallego are among those who have expressed skepticism, suggesting that Democrats should focus instead on winning elections rather than impeachment proceedings that have virtually no chance of success.
Thanedar’s announcement video has also drawn criticism, with some comparing it to a comedy skit rather than a serious political statement. This perception has not helped his cause among colleagues or voters. Thanedar himself has a complicated background that includes a rags-to-riches story as an immigrant from India who became a U.S. citizen in 1988, but he has also faced criticism over abandoning research animals when his business failed, which may affect how his impeachment efforts are received by the public.
Political Implications
Political analysts suggest that this impeachment push could backfire on Democrats who are already struggling with low approval ratings. By focusing on opposing Trump rather than developing constructive policies, Democrats risk reinforcing the perception that they are more interested in political vendettas than governing. Some strategists warn that signaling impeachment as a certainty should Democrats win a House majority in future elections could alienate moderate voters who may be tired of partisan battles.
For now, with Republicans firmly in control of the House, Thanedar’s impeachment articles are unlikely to advance beyond their introduction. The reception to this latest impeachment effort may serve as a barometer for Democratic strategy heading into the 2026 midterm elections, as party leaders weigh whether continued opposition to Trump will energize their base or further alienate swing voters looking for substantive policy solutions rather than political theater.
Sources:
Trump’s team war-gaming for an impeachment fight
House Democrat announces articles of impeachment against Trump: ‘Clear and present danger’
Democrat Rolls Out Trump Impeachment – And It Did Not Go Well
