Democrats Double Down On Trump Impeachment
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., is openly discussing the possibility of a third impeachment of President Donald Trump if Democrats regain control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections.
Appearing Sunday on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Khanna pushed back against the idea that another impeachment effort would necessarily be a political mistake.
Instead, the California Democrat argued that impeachment could be used to establish what he considers important limits on presidential power and congressional authority.
“It’s about setting a standard,” Khanna said while discussing several disputes involving the Trump administration.
Khanna Points to Iran, Federal Workers and Foreign Business Questions
Khanna cited several issues that he believes could warrant congressional scrutiny.
Among them was the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran.
Khanna argued that a president should not be able to enter what he described as an unauthorized war without approval from Congress.
The constitutional division of war powers between Congress and the president has long been the subject of legal and political debate, particularly when presidents order military action without a formal declaration of war.
Khanna also criticized administration efforts involving federal employees, saying Congress should respond when an administration takes personnel actions that lawmakers believe conflict with federal law.
A third issue raised by Khanna involved allegations surrounding foreign business dealings connected to members of Trump’s family.
Questions involving Trump-family business activity have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties. Republican Sen. John Curtis recently called for a congressional investigation into whether foreign business relationships involving members of the president’s family could create conflicts or national-security concerns. No finding of wrongdoing should be assumed from the existence of an investigation or allegation.
Khanna Says Democrats Can Focus on Impeachment and the Economy
Khanna also rejected the argument that impeachment would distract Democrats from the economic concerns facing American households.
He said Democrats could pursue congressional investigations while simultaneously advancing legislation aimed at the cost of living, household expenses and other pocketbook concerns.
That distinction could become increasingly important as both parties compete for control of Congress in November.
Voters are expected to weigh a broad range of concerns, including inflation, energy prices, immigration, foreign policy and the economy.
For Democrats, the political challenge would be determining how much attention to devote to investigations of the Trump administration while also presenting a legislative agenda focused on everyday economic concerns.
Iran Policy Remains a Major Source of Conflict
Khanna also used his television appearance to criticize Trump’s approach toward Iran.
He called on the administration to consider a proposed agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing a ceasefire.
Khanna said the United States would not have to accept every Iranian demand, but argued that Washington should provide assurances that American military policy is not aimed at overthrowing Iran’s government.
He also challenged recent Trump administration statements regarding the condition of Iran’s nuclear facilities following military operations.
The administration and its critics continue to disagree over the effectiveness, legality and long-term consequences of U.S. military action involving Iran.
Trump Has Already Been Impeached Twice
Trump has previously been impeached twice by the House of Representatives.
The House first impeached him in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
The Senate later acquitted him.
Trump was impeached for a second time in January 2021 following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The Senate again acquitted him.
Under the Constitution, the House has the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate conducts impeachment trials. A president can be impeached by a simple majority vote in the House, while conviction and removal require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
Democratic House Majority Could Bring More Investigations
Whether another impeachment effort actually moves forward could depend largely on the results of the 2026 midterm elections.
If Democrats gain control of the House, they would gain committee chairmanships and considerably greater authority to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas and investigate the executive branch.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has indicated that senior Democrats on committees such as Judiciary and Oversight would play central roles in examining the administration if Democrats take the majority.
That does not necessarily mean impeachment would follow.
Congressional investigations could result in legislation, hearings, referrals, impeachment proceedings or no further action, depending on what evidence lawmakers uncover and how House leaders decide to proceed.
Midterms Could Reshape Trump’s Final Two Years
The broader political stakes extend beyond impeachment.
Control of the House would determine whether Republicans can continue advancing much of Trump’s domestic agenda or whether Democrats gain the power to block legislation and significantly expand oversight of the administration.
For voters, that means the 2026 midterm elections could affect far more than individual congressional races.
The outcome could shape federal spending, immigration policy, economic legislation, investigations of the executive branch and U.S. foreign policy during the remainder of Trump’s term.
Khanna’s remarks provide an early indication that presidential accountability could become part of that debate.
Whether Democrats ultimately pursue another impeachment would depend on the election results, evidence developed through congressional investigations and decisions made by Democratic leaders if they regain control of the House.
