House Democrats file Trump impeachment articles

Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced seven articles of impeachment on Monday evening against President Donald Trump, marking the first impeachment attempt of the president’s second term. Trump has repeatedly shown that he is unfit to serve as president and presents a clear danger to our nation’s constitution and democracy, Thanedar said in a statement. The president has illegally subverted the justice system, violated the principle of the separation of powers in government, and prioritized personal interests above public service, the congressman added. 

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., co-sponsored the resolution. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Monday he had not yet reviewed Thanedar’s resolution. The measure is not expected to go far in the Republican-controlled House and Senate. The filing came on the eve of the 100th day of Trump’s second term in office. 

Has Trump responded to the articles of impeachment? As of noon Tuesday, Trump had not directly addressed the articles of impeachment. Instead, his social media accounts and the White House briefing room focussed on recently passed legislation and claimed economic victories during his first 100 days. Trump planned a rally near Detroit for Tuesday evening.

What kind of crimes do House Democrats allege? Thanedar accused Trump of obstructing justice and abusing his executive power, specifically by conducting mass deportations and ignoring the Supreme Court’s order to help bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States. Trump usurped congressional power by dismantling agencies and freezing federal funds without permission, Thanedar alleged. The president abused trade powers and triggered international aggression through damaging tariffs, while also quashing the free speech rights of journalists and his critics, the resolution added.

The Trump administration illegally created the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, and gave Elon Musk unlimited power over government and personal information, Thanedar said. The resolution also accused the president of soliciting payments from foreign governments and dismissing criminal cases for personal and political gain. The last article accused Trump of overreach, alleging that the president attempted to consolidate unchecked power and erode constitutional limits on the presidency.