Democrats gain control as Trump issues ominous warning: another chance to impeach could destroy their party
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Democrats gain congressional power
By Wednesday morning, Democrats had gained 25 House seats and seven Senate seats, putting them beyond the 218 House and 51 Senate seats needed for control of both chambers. The results leave Trump facing a Democratic-led legislature during the final two years of his second term.
Democrats are expected to use congressional committees to investigate the president and people around him. Trump, after his party’s losses, acknowledged defeat and criticized some of his own candidates and media allies.
Trump warns against impeachment
Asked whether he feared impeachment, Trump said he was not concerned and warned that the effort would damage the Democratic Party. He described the prospect in defiant terms after Republicans lost control of Congress.
Trump was first impeached by the House in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine and was acquitted by the Senate. He was impeached again after his supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and was acquitted a second time.
Democrats remain divided
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin described impeachment as one of several possible tools. Sen. Sherrod Brown said he would not support impeaching Trump, arguing there was no reason to do so based on the midterms.
Some see an impeachment effort as a way for Trump to claim he is being targeted and rally supporters. One unidentified speaker said there was “literally zero chance” Trump would be removed unless he did something more serious.
Other targets under scrutiny
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, who leads the House Oversight Committee, posted “LAWYER UP” after the midterm results. The article presents the message as a sign of his intentions, without specifying further details.
Another possible route would be targeting a senior Cabinet official. Articles of impeachment have already been filed against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, and Jeffries has issued a direct threat.
Key points
- Democrats gained 25 House seats and seven Senate seats by Wednesday morning.
- Trump has been impeached twice and acquitted by the Senate both times.
- Democratic lawmakers have expressed differing views on a third impeachment.
- Pete Hegseth is already the subject of impeachment articles filed by Thomas Massie.