Key Points: Representative Shri Thanedar’s decision to force a House vote on impeaching President Trump on May 15th is largely viewed as a “waste of time” with no chance of success under Republican congressional control.
-This move, ostensibly driven by Thanedar’s constitutional concerns, lacks endorsement from Democratic leadership and has reportedly frustrated many within his own party, who see it as a politically ill-timed distraction.
-While President Trump dismisses the effort, and voters may prefer focus on economic issues, Thanedar’s actions could be motivated by upcoming primary challenges or a desire to disrupt the administration, even if the impeachment itself is doomed.
The New Trump Impeachment Mistake
Some Democrats on Capitol Hill are again ready to wage war against President Donald Trump with another impeachment proceeding that could be doomed before it takes flight. Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar has a long list of alleged transgressions against the president and he wants an impeachment vote now even if it is sure to lose in the Republican-led House of Representatives and Senate.
The Day of Reckoning Is Near for Trump
Thanedar requests a vote anyway even though some Democrats admit that it would be a waste of time. The congressman thinks he has the goods on Trump and that this is “third time’s the charm” since the president has survived two previous attempts at impeachment and removal.
Thanedar’s list of accusations numbers seven articles. Most of them are about abuse of power, corruption, bribery, and other types of totalitarian behavior. House rules will allow a vote on his accusations on May 15.
Michigan Congressman Is Determined to Play Hard
“It’s time for us to take action,” Thanedar said in a news release. “This President has a clear disregard for our constitution. I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to stand up for the constitution, defend their oath, and protect the American people by supporting my articles of impeachment.”
Some un-named Democrats are not moved by Thanedar’s passion. News outlet Axios found leftists that have used some colorful language to explain how they think the Michigan representative is ahead of his skis and not using the optimum level of judgment for his effort. One Democrat legislator says that Thanedar is acting selfishly and not in the best interests of the caucus.
Trump Fires Back
Trump, of course, admits no malign behavior and has mocked the effort as another witch hunt from an obscure member of Congress.
Some guy that I’ve never heard of… is he a congressman? This guy, he said… ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I am going to start the impeachment of Donald Trump,’” the president said during a rally in Michigan. “What the hell did I do? Here we go again.”
Thanedar Has Many Motives
Thanedar is likely trying to make a national name for himself as he faces a primary challenge in 2026. The congressman needs to raise as much money as possible and the impeachment gambit could help him deep pocket donors.
Thanedar has claimed he is just doing his job and that means fighting against corruption and tyranny. He wants his colleagues to go on record to see just how many support impeachment now, even though many in the caucus do not agree with the effort that looks stillborn.
Democrats Are Not United Behind Impeachment At This Time
One problem with Thanedar’s efforts is that he did not seek permission from House leadership before filing his impeachment articles. This makes him appear to be a loose cannon in the eyes of his masters in Congress. Thanedar would say that Republicans also tried to impeach former President Joe Biden too without the enough votes in the House. Sometimes sending a message in politics can rile up a party’s base of supporters.
Thanedar’s impeachment resolution has also lost several co-sponsors as they realize that this is not the optimum time to have a vote that is certain to lose.
However, Thanedar may simply want to get under Trump’s skin. The president has enjoyed some good news lately. Inflation came in under expectations for the month of April. He has engineered a cease fire between India and Pakistan. And there looks to be an agreement in place that averts a trade war between China and the United States.
What better way to stop the president’s momentum with another impeachment attempt, however quixotic it may be.
The American people may not agree. They are quite aware of all the lawfare that people have tried against Trump. Those suspicious of the motives behind the impeachment attempt would like political leadership to focus on the nation’s problems such as the economy. Gross Domestic Product growth slipped into negative territory last quarter. One more quarter of below zero growth typically signifies a recession. The trade war is not entirely over. Even though the S&P 500 has recovered since the beginning of the tariffs, business owners are still worried about uncertainties that may affect hiring practices and economic growth.
Thanedar has sent his message clearly, and even Trump’s highest-level advisors are planning for a more unified impeachment effort if the Democrats take back the House and Senate in 2026.
Leftists on Capitol Hill have many possible articles of transgression that Thanedar has laid out, and this could mean that Trump could go through the impeachment process number three if the Democrats win the Midterms.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
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