Jeffries has a warning for Trump's 'crooks', and impeachment isn't off the table

WASHINGTON, DC: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats would begin holding “the crooks accountable” if they regain control of the House, before declining to rule out impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.

During an interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on Sunday, September 13, Jeffries was asked what Democrats would do if they win the House in the midterm elections.

He said the party would focus on lowering costs while also addressing what he described as widespread corruption.

When pressed on whether his comments could mean impeachment proceedings, the New York Democrat said his party was keeping its options open.

Hakeem Jeffries promises accountability on day one

Jeffries said Democrats were focused on winning back the House so they could address the cost of living, health care, and other issues facing Americans.

He then turned to government oversight. 

"We've got to combat the unprecedented corruption that's been unleashed on the American people, and beginning on day one, hold the crooks accountable," Jeffries said.

He added that people who had been "screwing over the American people, shortchanging the American people, or stealing from the American people" would face accountability under a Democratic majority.

Jeffries did not identify specific individuals while making the remarks.

Impeachment question gets no clear answer

Stephanopoulos then directly asked Jeffries whether "hold the crooks accountable" meant Democrats would pursue impeachment proceedings on their first day in power.

Jeffries declined to give a yes-or-no answer.

"We haven't ruled anything in, and we haven't ruled anything out in terms of impeachment," he said. 

Jeffries said any decisions involving accountability would be guided by the facts, the law, and the Constitution.

He pointed to Rep Jamie Raskin and House Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, along with Rep Robert Garcia and Democrats on the Oversight Committee, as lawmakers who would play key roles.

"We've got to follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution, and then let the chips fall where they may," Jeffries said.

Trump becomes central midterm target

Jeffries also said Trump himself would be a major factor in the midterm elections, despite the president not appearing on the ballot.

"Mr President, we don't have to pretend. You are actually on the ballot," Jeffries said.

He criticized Trump's record on costs, tariffs, health care, and the conflict involving Iran, arguing those issues would shape voters' decisions.

Jeffries said Democrats would seek to lower the cost of groceries, housing, gas, and health care if they win.

The stakes are particularly high because control of the House would give Democrats greater authority to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, and launch committee oversight of the Trump administration.