As expected, Donald Trump’s second term has reignited impeachment efforts. Here we go again. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) announced on Thursday morning that he plans to file articles of impeachment against Donald Trump—again. This marks Green's fifth attempt to impeach President Trump, and it likely won’t be his last. It may not even come up for a vote, but I think it should, and I have a good reason why.
Make no mistake about it, not even Green believes it will go anywhere, but that’s not what it is about. He’s framing it as a test of Democratic loyalty to fighting Trump’s legacy. “There will be articles of impeachment filed before the Christmas break. This, I pledge,” Green declared, insisting that impeachment is a participatory process requiring the involvement of all Democrats. With this move, Green is doubling down on the political theater that has defined much of Trump's post-presidential landscape.
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Green confirmed that the impeachment would be introduced as privileged, meaning it must be considered within two legislative days. However, like his previous efforts, it could be tabled before ever getting a vote.
But, I think it should.
The Democrats remain divided on how to resist Trump, but many have figured out that they really don’t want to go on the record on the issue of impeaching him again. That’s precisely why this new effort shouldn’t be pushed aside. I say put it on the floor and make them take a stand. The fallout would be a sight to see. A vote like this puts every Democrat in a bad spot. Those who oppose it will face fury from the left, a surefire way to invite primary challenges. Those who back it will face fury from the right—a surefire way for Republicans to make gains in swing districts. It’s a lose-lose scenario for the Democratic Party, and they know it.
And the party is in a very tough spot.
The far left base is frustrated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, accusing them of weak leadership, especially after caving on the Schumer Shutdown without extracting meaningful wins. Others, like Maine Senate candidate Graham “Nazi Tattoo Guy” Platner—who is surprisingly still viable as a candidate for some reason—are openly calling for new leadership to get serious about pushing back against Republicans.
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When asked if Democratic leaders would be tarnished by refusing to support Green’s new effort, he dodged the question but reminded everyone that up to 80 members backed his previous attempts. “Here’s my perspective. I believe in the Constitution. People who vote to table the articles are voting against impeachment,” he said, making it clear he sees this as a test of loyalty to the Trump resistance rather than a legitimate impeachment effort.
Green's newest effort is doomed to fail, and he knows it. But the real story lies in how many Democrats will vote for it. With the midterms coming up next year, don’t think for a second that Democrats really want to go on record one way or the other on impeaching Trump.
