Smith reverses on impeachment

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top House Democrat on Armed Services, now supports impeaching President Trump. In May he had warned impeachment historically strengthens its target.

“Trump has become beyond dangerous. He is just completely out of control in what he says and how he is governing.”

Smith would chair if Democrats win

If Democrats reclaim the House in Tuesday's midterm elections, Smith would chair the Armed Services Committee, putting him at the center of Pentagon investigations.

Democrats divided on impeachment

Interviews with more than two dozen Democrats show the party broadly convinced Trump engaged in impeachable conduct, but deeply divided over whether another attempt would be effective.

Trump's previous impeachments failed

Trump was impeached in 2019 over Ukraine dealings and in 2021 over his role in the January sixth Capitol attack. Both ended in Senate acquittal, though seven Republicans voted to convict in the second trial.

What changed Smith's mind

Trump's conciliatory posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, his decisions on Ukraine support, and his unhinged speeches convinced Smith the President presents extraordinary danger.

“The Ukraine stuff definitely had a profound impact. When I saw how close he was getting to Putin and shutting off support for Ukraine, being more pro-Putin.”

Smith thinks political climate shifted

Smith argues the political environment has changed since Trump's first term. He believes impeachment will not be viewed as negatively or as partisan as previous efforts.

“I don't think it will be viewed as negatively or as partisan as in the previous two efforts, just because the public is waking up to the con game that Trump put on.”

Raskin sees impeachable offenses but hesitates

Rep.Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who led House managers in Trump's second impeachment trial, says he has little doubt Trump committed multiple impeachable offenses but questions whether another trial is the best use of Congress's time.

“The question of whether he committed impeachable offenses and whether we are going to pursue impeachment are two different issues.”

Schiff wants investigations first

Sen. Adam Schiff of California, who led prosecution in Trump's first impeachment trial, says Democrats should avoid conclusions before knowing the next Congress's composition and what investigations uncover.

“There's no question he's been engaging in conduct that is very likely impeachable. The question is, is it viable?”

Hegseth emerges as alternative target

Some Democrats see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a potentially more viable impeachment target, reasoning Republicans might vote to remove him even if they would not remove Trump.

“There are Republicans who would support impeaching Hegseth who might not support doing it to Trump.”

Hegseth faces mounting scrutiny

The Defense Secretary has faced criticism over his handling of the Iran war, removal of senior military officers, and the Pentagon's relationship with Congress. Some Republicans have publicly expressed frustration with his leadership.

Cabinet impeachment seen as easier

Raskin says impeaching a Cabinet secretary would be less likely to consume Congress's agenda or raise concerns about overturning a presidential election result, unlike impeaching Trump.

“The question of cabinet officers is a little bit easier because it doesn't necessarily consume all of the policy oxygen in Congress.”

Crow sees impeachment as one option

Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, who served as a House manager in Trump's first impeachment trial, says lawmakers are preparing extensive Pentagon investigations regardless of the election outcome but stops short of endorsing impeachment.

“Impeachment is only one tool that Congress has.”