Trump Lashes Out as Impeachment Threats Resurface, Suggests Expulsion of Democrats
Former President Donald Trump unleashed a tirade on his Truth Social platform late Thursday night, reacting to renewed calls for his impeachment by Democratic members of Congress. Trump, already impeached twice during his presidency, characterized the efforts as politically motivated and suggested that Republicans should retaliate by expelling Democrats from Congress.
The former president’s post was filled with his signature rhetorical style, employing strong language and accusatory statements. He painted a picture of Democrats as being "out of control" and having "lost their minds," labeling them "Radical Left Lunatics" obsessed with impeachment.
Trump specifically targeted Representatives Shri Thanedar of Michigan and Al Green of Texas, both of whom have publicly stated their intentions to initiate impeachment proceedings against him. He derided them as "No Name," "little respected Congressmen," and "total Whackjobs," dismissing their efforts as frivolous and baseless. "They have already got two ‘No Name,’ little respected Congressmen, total Whackjobs both, throwing the ‘Impeachment’ of DONALD J. TRUMP around, for about the 20th time, even though they have no idea for what I would be Impeached," he stated.
Thanedar, earlier in the week, formally announced articles of impeachment against Trump, alleging a "clear and present danger" posed by the former president. Green, echoing the sentiment, declared his support for the impeachment effort and even offered to have his name added to Thanedar’s articles. Green also indicated his plan to introduce his own articles of impeachment, further signaling the Democrats’ intention to pursue this course of action.
Trump, in his post, quoted the congressmen as stating they would impeach him even if they lacked specific grounds, purportedly saying, "We just want to do it." This assertion, if accurate, would undoubtedly fuel accusations of political bias and undermine the legitimacy of any potential impeachment process.
In response to these renewed threats, Trump floated the idea of Republicans retaliating by expelling Democrats from Congress. "The Republicans should start to think about expelling them from Congress for all of the crimes that they have committed, especially around Election time(s)," Trump stated.
Thanedar’s resolution outlines seven articles of impeachment against Trump, encompassing a broad range of alleged offenses. These include obstruction of justice, violation of due process, breach of the duty to faithfully execute laws, usurpation of the appropriations power, abuse of trade powers and international aggression, violation of First Amendment rights, creation of unlawful office, bribery and corruption, and tyranny. The expansive nature of these charges suggests a comprehensive indictment of Trump’s conduct while in office.
The article also reminds that this is not the first time Trump has faced impeachment. The House impeached Trump twice during his first term, once for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and again for inciting an insurrection related to the January 6th Capitol riot. However, both times the Senate failed to convict him, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for removal from office. The second impeachment occurred at the tail end of Trump’s term, and the Senate vote resulting in acquittal occurred after Trump had already departed from office.
Trump framed the renewed impeachment threats as a continuation of a partisan witch hunt, accusing Democrats of using impeachment as a weapon against him. "These are very dishonest people that won’t let our Country heal! Why do we allow them to continuously use Impeachment as a weapon against the President of the United States who, by all accounts, is working hard to SAVE OUR COUNTRY." He characterized their actions as a familiar playbook used during his first term and vowed that Republicans would not allow them to succeed this time. He went on to label the Democrats involved as "total LOWLIFES, who hate our Country, and everything it stands for."
He also suggested that Republicans should adopt a similar strategy, stating, "Perhaps we should start playing this game on them, and expel Democrats for the many crimes that they have committed — And these are REAL crimes."
In a particularly pointed remark, Trump referenced Representative Adam Schiff, a frequent target of his criticism, claiming that Schiff had sought a pardon and that an "Auto Pen" and "Full Pardon" were necessary to save him and the "Unselect Committee of Political Thugs" from expulsion and "probably worse!" This assertion, if accurate, would suggest potential wrongdoing on Schiff’s part, although Trump provided no specific details or evidence to support the claim.
The article concludes by highlighting the escalating political tensions surrounding Trump and the potential for retaliatory measures between Republicans and Democrats. Trump’s strong language and call for the expulsion of Democrats from Congress underscore the deeply polarized political climate and the willingness of some to employ extreme measures in the pursuit of their political goals. The threat of further impeachment proceedings and the potential for retaliatory expulsions could further exacerbate political divisions and hinder the ability of Congress to address critical national issues.
