Michigan Dem Launches Defiant Trump Impeachment Bid During Ex-President's Visit

Paul Riverbank, 4/30/2025In a notable yet likely symbolic gesture, Democratic Rep. Thanedar has introduced impeachment articles against former President Trump, despite Republican control of Congress making success improbable. The timing, coinciding with Trump's Michigan visit and Thanedar's primary challenges, raises questions about political motivations versus constitutional duty.

I've covered enough impeachment proceedings to recognize the familiar dance. Thanedar, representing Detroit's 13th District, has thrown seven articles of impeachment onto the congressional floor, ranging from obstruction of justice to constitutional violations. But here's the rub: Republicans control both chambers, making this effort about as likely to succeed as a snowball's chance in Death Valley.

The catalyst? A deportation case involving one Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Maryland. But let's be honest – this feels more like political theater than serious legislative action. Thanedar's got three co-sponsors: Jerry Nadler, Robin Kelly, and Kweisi Mfume. Notable names, sure, but hardly the groundswell needed for such an ambitious undertaking.

"I can't worry about that," Thanedar told The Detroit News, brushing aside questions about timing. "I need to really call it as it is." Noble sentiments, perhaps, but they ring a bit hollow given the context.

Look, I've seen my share of political maneuvers, and this one's got all the hallmarks of campaign positioning. Thanedar's facing primary challenges from two Black candidates in his Detroit-based district – former state Sen. Adam Hollier and state Rep. Donavan McKinney. The timing? Well, you connect the dots.

The congressman's gone all in, plastering "Impeach Trump" across four billboards in his district – funded by his congressional budget, no less. This follows nearly a million dollars spent on self-promotion last year. Rep. Lisa McClain, a Republican from Bruce Township, didn't mince words, calling it "pathetic" and suggesting it's all about primary politics.

We've been down this road before – twice, in fact, during Trump's first term. Both times ended in Senate acquittals. This latest attempt? It's destined to join that growing pile of symbolic gestures cluttering up Capitol Hill.

But here's what fascinates me: In our increasingly partisan landscape, even futile gestures like this serve a purpose. They rally the base, generate headlines, and keep the political machinery humming. Whether that's good for democracy... well, that's a question for another column.

For now, Thanedar's impeachment articles will likely gather dust somewhere in the House chamber, joining countless other political statements that sound bold but ultimately signify nothing. Welcome to another day in Washington, where the theater never closes and the show must go on.

The halls of Congress witnessed yet another political spectacle this week, as Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar launched what many view as a quixotic quest to impeach former President Donald Trump. The timing couldn't be more striking – or perhaps more calculated – coinciding with Trump's Michigan victory lap celebrating his first hundred days back in office.I've covered enough impeachment proceedings to recognize the familiar dance. Thanedar, representing Detroit's 13th District, has thrown seven articles of impeachment onto the congressional floor, ranging from obstruction of justice to constitutional violations. But here's the rub: Republicans control both chambers, making this effort about as likely to succeed as a snowball's chance in Death Valley.The catalyst? A deportation case involving one Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Maryland. But let's be honest – this feels more like political theater than serious legislative action. Thanedar's got three co-sponsors: Jerry Nadler, Robin Kelly, and Kweisi Mfume. Notable names, sure, but hardly the groundswell needed for such an ambitious undertaking."I can't worry about that," Thanedar told The Detroit News, brushing aside questions about timing. "I need to really call it as it is." Noble sentiments, perhaps, but they ring a bit hollow given the context.Look, I've seen my share of political maneuvers, and this one's got all the hallmarks of campaign positioning. Thanedar's facing primary challenges from two Black candidates in his Detroit-based district – former state Sen. Adam Hollier and state Rep. Donavan McKinney. The timing? Well, you connect the dots.The congressman's gone all in, plastering "Impeach Trump" across four billboards in his district – funded by his congressional budget, no less. This follows nearly a million dollars spent on self-promotion last year. Rep. Lisa McClain, a Republican from Bruce Township, didn't mince words, calling it "pathetic" and suggesting it's all about primary politics.We've been down this road before – twice, in fact, during Trump's first term. Both times ended in Senate acquittals. This latest attempt? It's destined to join that growing pile of symbolic gestures cluttering up Capitol Hill.But here's what fascinates me: In our increasingly partisan landscape, even futile gestures like this serve a purpose. They rally the base, generate headlines, and keep the political machinery humming. Whether that's good for democracy... well, that's a question for another column.For now, Thanedar's impeachment articles will likely gather dust somewhere in the House chamber, joining countless other political statements that sound bold but ultimately signify nothing. Welcome to another day in Washington, where the theater never closes and the show must go on.