### Thanedar Retracts Trump Impeachment Move Just Before House Vote

Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan made a sudden decision to withdraw his attempt to force a vote on the impeachment of President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening. The decision followed signals from a faction of Democrats who indicated they would side with Republicans to halt the motion.

Initially, a vote was set to take place on a motion to table Thanedar's impeachment resolution, effectively pausing it for the time being. However, Thanedar chose to retract the resolution, stating on social media, "After talking with many colleagues, I have decided not to force a vote on impeachment today." He accused Trump of having committed "more impeachable offenses" since the introduction of his seven articles of impeachment.

Despite halting his current effort, Thanedar did not rule out future actions. He expressed plans to augment his articles of impeachment and rally support from both parties. "I will add to my articles of impeachment and continue to rally the support of both Democrats and Republicans to defend the Constitution with me," he said.

Visible on the House floor after the announcement, several House Democrats, including North Carolina Rep. Deborah K. Ross, congratulated Thanedar for his decision. The 29-page impeachment resolution accuses President Trump of crimes such as obstruction of justice, abuse of power, bribery, and corruption.

Thanedar is in his second term representing Michigan's 13th District. On Tuesday, he formally notified the House of his intention to bring the articles of impeachment as a privileged resolution, which under House rules, mandates a vote within two legislative days. He read the entire resolution aloud, taking nearly an hour.

Despite Thanedar's bold move, it appears it lacked the backing of House Democratic leaders. Reports surfaced that party leadership and fellow members were caught off-guard by his abrupt decision, especially after having previously indicated he would not pursue impeachment at this time.

Several co-sponsors of the resolution withdrew their support, and some colleagues termed the impeachment push futile because of GOP control of both legislative chambers. Others voiced concerns that it would distract from the party's central message against Republicans' budget reconciliation bill this week. Still, Thanedar held his ground, telling reporters, "People see this president has conducted impeachable misconduct."

Trump, who faced two impeachment inquiries during his first term in office, responded by suggesting that House Republicans should consider expelling members who file articles of impeachment against him. On social media, he labeled the Democrats as "Radical Left Lunatics," suggesting reciprocity by expelling Democrats for "the many crimes that they have committed."

Critics have speculated that Thanedar's impeachment resolution might be a strategic move ahead of his 2026 re-election campaign. Billboards financed by his office promoting the resolution have already appeared in his district. In 2022, Thanedar secured his House seat after winning 28 percent in a crowded Democratic primary and was re-nominated two years later with 55 percent.

Thanedar already faces competition for his third term. Former state Sen. Adam Hollier and state Rep. Donavan McKinney have announced their candidacies for the 2026 primary. McKinney's campaign, launched on the same day Thanedar introduced his impeachment resolution, has garnered support from progressive circles and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib. "I need a real partner in Congress who will join me in the fight for our Wayne County communities," Tlaib stated in her endorsement of McKinney.