Three co-sponsors of the resolution to impeach President Donald Trump have retracted their support.
The trio had initially co-sponsored Rep. Shri Thanedar’s (D-Mich.) resolution, which outlines seven articles of impeachment against the president.
However, on Tuesday afternoon, they formally requested the removal of their names from the legislation.
Reps. Kweisi Mfume (Md.), Robin Kelly (Ill.), and Jerry Nadler (N.Y.) gave various excuses for their initial action.
Spokespersons for Kelly and Mfume indicated that the lawmakers had assumed the resolution had been vetted by party leadership. Upon discovering it had not, they opted to withdraw their support.
“Congressman Mfume removed himself as a cosponsor from H. Res. 353 because he was made aware it was not cleared by Democratic leadership and not fully vetted legally — and he preferred to err on the side of caution,” a spokesperson for Mfume stated.
Kelly’s office echoed this sentiment, noting that she had believed the resolution had undergone proper review by the House Judiciary Committee and party leadership.
Party Leadership Signals Retreat
The withdrawal of support from these lawmakers aligns with the broader stance of Democratic leadership.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, emphasized that pursuing impeachment is not a priority at this time.
“Impeachment is, at times, a tool that can be used. This president is no stranger to that; he’s been impeached twice,” Aguilar remarked.
“But we don’t have any confidence that House and Senate Republicans would do their jobs. And so this is not an exercise that we’re willing to undertake.”
Thanedar Stands Firm Amid Waning Support
Despite the diminishing backing, Rep. Thanedar remains resolute in his efforts. “I can not speak for the actions of other members. But I am doing this because Trump has blatantly violated the constitution,” he asserted.
Thanedar’s resolution accuses President Trump of various offenses, including obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and violations of the First Amendment.
He cited specific actions such as the dismissal of charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams and the creation of a digital currency without congressional approval.
“He started on day one with his meme coin pump and dump scheme,” Thanedar claimed. “Trump unconstitutionally dismissed charges against Eric Adams for political gain. He unlawfully created DOGE, cutting funding that was appropriated by Congress.”
However, with only one co-sponsor remaining—Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)—the resolution faces an uphill battle.
The lack of widespread support within the Democratic Party, coupled with Republican control of both the House and Senate, renders the prospect of impeachment highly unlikely.
Can’t do anything if it’s not part of the greater party plan. Must march in socialist lock step.