Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday advised Democrats to steer clear of another impeachment attempt against President Trump if they regain control of the House in next week's midterms. In an interview with MeidasTouch's Aaron Parnas, Harris said, "I think that going in the direction of impeachment is not a good idea, just to be honest with you." She argued that the party's limited resources should be channeled into "accountability" and "investigations" rather than another high-stakes impeachment battle.
Harris, who served in the Senate during Trump's second impeachment, pointed to the political reality: "Remember, I was in the Senate for the last go-around, and the votes aren't there." She emphasized that after the election, Democrats should adopt an attitude of "getting stuff done," while remaining "uncompromising" on key issues like healthcare and oversight of the Iran war.
Her remarks come as some Democrats have floated the possibility of a third impeachment if they win back the House, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) declining to rule it out. In a recent interview, Jeffries said, "We've got to follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution, and then let the chips fall where they may." However, Harris's caution reflects a pragmatic view that impeachment efforts may be politically costly and unlikely to succeed given the Senate math.
Trump has already been impeached twice—once in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine and again in 2021 following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Both trials ended in acquittal, with the Senate falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict. A third impeachment would be unprecedented in U.S. history, as no president has ever faced more than two.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), have predicted that Democrats would move quickly to impeach Trump if they retake the House. "It's guaranteed, probably on the first day—first or second day," Johnson said Tuesday, citing already-filed articles of impeachment. But Harris's comments suggest she sees more value in focusing on oversight and legislative wins rather than a divisive impeachment process.
Political analysts note that impeachment efforts can energize the base but also risk alienating swing voters. Harris's stance aligns with a broader strategy of prioritizing kitchen-table issues, such as healthcare and economic concerns, over constitutional battles. As the midterms approach, her remarks may signal a shift in Democratic messaging, emphasizing accountability through investigations rather than impeachment.
If Democrats do flip the House, they will face pressure from progressive activists to take bold action against the administration. However, Harris's warning underscores the challenges of pursuing impeachment without the necessary votes in the Senate. Instead, she advocates for a focused approach on oversight and tangible policy achievements, a message that could resonate with voters weary of political gridlock.
