Raskin says impeachment isn't a 'fetish', but Trump may not like what comes next
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Jamie Raskin said Democrats are not making impeachment their central focus ahead of the 2026 midterms, but made it clear that the party could use the constitutional process against President Donald Trump if it regains control of the House.
Speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press', the Maryland Democrat said Trump had “undoubtedly” committed impeachable offenses during his second term.
But Raskin also said Democrats were focused on healthcare, affordability, and other issues affecting Americans.
Trump has repeatedly warned Republicans that losing the House in the midterms could open the door to another impeachment effort. Raskin's comments offered one of the clearest indications yet that Democrats are keeping the option open.
Impeachment remains on the table
When asked whether Democrats should impeach Trump if they win back the House, Raskin called impeachment “a critical tool in the toolbox for constitutional self-defense.”
He later sought to clarify that Democrats were not obsessed with pursuing another impeachment.
“Impeachment is not a taboo with us,” Raskin said. “It’s not a fetish with us. We understand it’s not a panacea. It is a tool in the toolbox. We will not hesitate to use it if we need to use it.”
Raskin served as a lead impeachment manager during Trump's second Senate trial following the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Jamie Raskin lists possible Trump offenses
Raskin said there was not enough time to “remotely scratch the surface” of what he described as Trump's impeachable conduct.
He pointed to going to war without a declaration from Congress and accused Trump of defying Congress over federal spending.
Raskin also referred to the demolition of the White House's East Wing and alleged corruption within the administration.
“All of that could warrant an impeachment investigation if we wanted to do it,” he said.
Trump was impeached twice during his first term, first over his dealings with Ukraine and later following the January 6 attack.
The Senate acquitted him both times.
Democrats still stress other priorities
Other Democratic leaders have urged caution over making impeachment a central campaign issue.
Rep Jim Clyburn previously said Democrats should focus instead on housing, education, energy, and healthcare if they regain the House.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also said Democrats have not ruled anything in or out regarding accountability.
Raskin echoed that broader approach, saying healthcare and ending what he called lawlessness were more important to Democrats right now.
