House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) warned that Democrats would move almost immediately to impeach President Donald Trump if they capture the House in November’s midterm elections, portraying control of the chamber as a direct threat to Trump’s presidency.
Johnson Predicts Immediate Impeachment Push
“It’s guaranteed, probably on the first day — first or second day,” Johnson told commentator Scott Jennings on Tuesday. “Remember, they’ve already filed articles of impeachment in this Congress. And they’re raring to go.”
The warning comes as Republicans face difficult political conditions. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed Monday put Trump’s approval at a record-low 32%, while registered voters preferred Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans 44% to 37%. The cost of living ranked as voters’ top concern.
Democratic Leaders Keep Options Open
Johnson’s claim, however, goes further than Democratic leaders have publicly committed to. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said last month, “We haven’t ruled anything in and we haven’t ruled anything out in terms of impeachment,” adding that Democrats would follow the facts, law and Constitution if they gain control. Jeffries has instead repeatedly emphasized gas, grocery, housing and healthcare costs in his midterm messaging.
Still, impeachment already has substantial support within the Democratic caucus. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) forced a September vote on H.Res. 1486, accusing Trump of high crimes and misdemeanors over immigration enforcement. The House tabled the resolution 232-147, with 147 Democrats opposing the motion to table and 46 Democrats, including party leaders, voting “present.”
Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar has nevertheless said impeachment is “not anything that is top of the agenda for House Democrats,” underscoring the gap between Johnson’s prediction and the leadership’s stated priorities.
House Control Raises Midterm Stakes
Johnson has meanwhile continued using Democratic control as a campaign warning, recently attacking the party over tax and economic policy.
Despite his impeachment warning, Johnson told Jennings he expects Republicans to retain control. “This is not going to happen,” Johnson said. “I’m convinced, Scott, we can hold this majority.”
Photo Courtesy: Joshua Sukoff on Shutterstock.com
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