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Congressman Says He Intends To Invoke Privilege To Force House Vote
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Congressman Says He Intends To Invoke Privilege To Force House Vote

In a dramatic but ultimately symbolic move, Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has introduced a fresh set of impeachment articles against former President Donald Trump—this time under the banner of accountability for alleged abuses that span constitutional violations, misuse of taxpayer funds, and controversial foreign gifts. Though the effort is unlikely to succeed, it injects new political theater into an already charged election year and underscores the enduring divide over Trump’s legacy and influence.

Standing on the House floor Tuesday, Thanedar invoked privilege on his resolution—an arcane but powerful procedural tool that compels Republican leadership to act within two legislative days. It’s a bold step, and one intended to force debate, but the likely outcome is a motion to table the measure, which would effectively kill it without discussion.

Thanedar’s resolution details seven articles of impeachment, each citing a different “high crime or misdemeanor,” including:

  • Alleged misuse of taxpayer money

  • Questionable deportation practices

  • Abuses tied to tariff policies

  • Misuse of a now-defunct entity dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

  • Retaliation against members of the press

  • A highly controversial proposal to accept a $400 million aircraft from Qatar, dubbed the “Flying Palace”

The lawmaker accused Trump of “committing crimes since day one,” framing the resolution as a necessary act of constitutional preservation rather than political retribution.

True to form, Trump responded swiftly and loudly via a fiery post on X, mocking Thanedar and others as “Radical Left Lunatics” and “No Name, little respected Congressmen.” He ridiculed the renewed impeachment push as the latest episode in what he calls a years-long witch hunt.

In his rebuttal, Trump also suggested that Republicans consider expelling those Democrats pursuing impeachment, claiming they are “dishonest people” obstructing the country’s path to healing. The rhetoric, equal parts defiant and theatrical, signals that Trump sees this latest move as both nuisance and opportunity—a fresh rallying cry for his base.

Despite the headline-grabbing nature of Thanedar’s effort, Democratic leadership has largely kept it at arm’s length. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar bluntly stated that impeachment is “not an exercise we’re willing to undertake,” signaling that leadership has no interest in picking a fight that’s certain to fail in a Republican-controlled House.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was even more cautious, declining to offer a stance until he could personally speak with Thanedar—a noncommittal response that further isolates the Michigan lawmaker’s solo crusade.

This isn't the first time Democrats have launched solo or small-group impeachment efforts against Trump. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) has long been an impeachment advocate, and his February announcement about targeting Trump for “dastardly deeds” set the stage for Thanedar’s own initiative.

Written by Arthur Higgens - May 14, 2025