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Trump Hands Ted Cruz A Surprise 2028 Boost

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White House image via Wikimedia Commons

President Donald Trump just gave one of his fiercest former rivals a potentially valuable boost in the increasingly crowded battle to inherit the MAGA movement.

Trump praised Sen. Ted Cruz as “very talented” when asked whether the Texas Republican could become president—offering an encouraging assessment as Cruz openly flirts with another White House campaign.

“Ted Cruz keeps teasing a 2028 presidential run. You’ve run against him for president. Do you think he could be president? What’s your reaction to that?” Daily Caller White House correspondent Reagan Reese asked Trump during an Oval Office press conference.

“I would say that he’s very talented. He’s a very good friend of mine. I think he might do that. He’s a talented guy,” Trump responded.

It was far from an endorsement—but in a Republican Party still dominated by Trump, the president’s warm words are certain to attract attention.

Cruz Refuses To Clear The Field

Cruz’s ambitions spilled into the open after he was asked during an MS NOW interview whether Republicans had already settled on Vice President JD Vance as their presumptive 2028 nominee.

“I don’t think it’s accurate to say the party is universally settled,” Cruz said, according to The Hill. “I think there will be a full and vigorous discussion about who should carry on the legacy of President Trump.”

The senator became even more direct one day later during an appearance on Sean Hannity’s podcast.

“Do I want to be president? It’s no secret that I want to be president,” Cruz said, according to CBS Austin.

Cruz previously sought the Republican nomination in 2016, emerging as Trump’s toughest primary opponent before ultimately suspending his campaign. Their bitter rivalry eventually gave way to a powerful political alliance, with Cruz becoming one of Trump’s most dependable defenders in the Senate.

Now, Cruz appears unwilling to let the Republican nomination simply be handed to Vance.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Cruz has been visiting Iowa, promoting his latest book and hitting the podcast circuit as he weighs another campaign. The outlet described Vance as the early polling leader but said Cruz is already taking some shots at the presumed front-runner.

Trump Keeps Everyone Guessing

Trump has repeatedly entertained questions about who should succeed him, with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio most frequently mentioned.

The president reportedly told donors during a private Oval Office meeting, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD,” according to a Washington Post report cited by the Daily Caller.

Trump later denied that the comment amounted to an endorsement.

“No,” Trump told the Caller when asked about the report. “I think he’s great, but we’re way too early to even be thinking about that.”

Trump has reportedly continued asking allies whether Vance or Rubio should lead the Republican ticket in 2028, suggesting that the president is in no hurry to crown an heir.

“Anyone assuming it’s a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn’t know the president very well,” one administration official told the Washington Post.

That uncertainty gives Cruz an opening—and Trump’s latest comments ensure that the Texas senator will not be dismissed as merely a long-shot challenger.

The 2028 race may still be years away, but the battle to succeed Trump has already begun.

Democrat Senator Pushes Back On ‘Rightward Shift’ Accusations, Defends Trump Meeting

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A Democrat Senator defended his recent meeting with President Trump after his recent bipartisan efforts have sparked criticism.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said on Monday that President Trump was “kind” and “cordial” at a Mar-a-Lago meeting that sparked scrutiny

“Overall, it was a positive experience. I mean, he was kind, he was cordial. It wasn’t in any kind of theater. It wasn’t trying to get your picture taken to kind of put something out on social media. It was just, really, a conversation. We actually spoke for over an hour,” Fetterman told “The View.”

Fetterman met with Trump at his Palm Beach resort earlier this month, ahead of the inauguration, and Trump left with praise for the Pennsylvania senator. 

“He’s a commonsense person. He’s not liberal or conservative. He’s just a commonsense person, which is beautiful,” Trump said in an interview with the Washington Examiner.

Fetterman’s open-minded approach to Trump and Capitol Hill Republicans has stirred speculation about the first-term senator’s motives, including questions about whether he was preparing to change parties.

During Monday’s episode of The View, Sunny Hostin ran back a clip of former police officer Michael Fanone, who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, on MSNBC this week. Fanone name-dropped Fetterman, having publicly endorsed his run for office, as a lawmaker who “ran for the hills” and abandoned law enforcement when Trump pardoned rioters.

Hostin added that critics “on the left” have called out the senator for undergoing a “rightward shift.”

“What do you say to those who are now, in a sense, questioning your commitment to the Democratic Party?” she asked.

Fetterman began by refuting the idea he had changed and underscoring his disgust at the Jan. 6 pardons.

First, I just want to say I am so sorry for what happened to that officer. I mean, he’s had a heart attack. His life – he almost died. I mean, I have had a stroke, same thing. Absolute empathy, and just appalled for witnessing what happened on January 6th, and I absolutely would reject pardoning people that were involved in that.

As for rightward? That’s just… that just happens not to be true. I have been on record too saying I am not going to become a Republican, you know? Although maybe some people might be happy on one side, but I would make a pretty terrible Republican because, you know, pro-choice, pro-really strong immigration, pro-LGBTQ, you know, just pretty, like… I don’t think I would be a good fit.

So I’m not going to change my party, and if I am going to do, I’m going to show up. I’ll give you the exclusive. I can announce. So I can’t keep chasing down every last thing that’s online because they just happen not to be true. Just look at my votes. Look at the things… I haven’t changed in a way.

Democrat State Senator Announces Switch to GOP

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Democrats via Pixabay images

As the Democrat Party steadily inches leftward toward outright disaster members are seeking to distance themselves from increasingly radical values by any means necessary.

A prominent West Virginia Democrat state senator officially flipped his registration to Republican this week. State Senator Glenn Jeffries submitted paperwork to join the Republican caucus after being elected in 2016 to serve as a Democrat. 

According to The Daily Wire, Republicans now hold a majority in the state senate of 31 senators. 

“I have the greatest respect for the many friends and supporters I have been blessed with during my time in public office,” Jeffries said in his announcement. “I hope to continue and strengthen those relationships going forward.”

“Our politics have gotten so personal and difficult. I want to make sure that I serve constituents and our state in a respectful, thoughtful way that leads to a better life for all West Virginians,” he added. 

Jeffries didn’t disclose what exactly led up to his decision to abandon the Democrat Party however in a release, the West Virginia Democrats said the change was because of “discomfort with Democratic Party values.”

His change in party status was first announced by the Putnam County Republican Executive Committee. 

“I warmly welcome Senator Glenn Jeffries into the West Virginia Republican Party,” Tony Hodge, the Putnam County Republican Party Chairman and the Co-Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, said. “Senator Jeffries has proven himself to be a very hard worker for Putnam County. His efforts to improve infrastructure such as water and sewer services as well as road maintenance have been exemplary.”

Senate President Craig Blair welcomed Jeffries to the GOP in a statement this week.

“With Senator Jeffries as a member of our caucus, we stand at 31 members strong. Glenn has been a leader in the minority caucus with his work in economic development and infrastructure,” Blair said. “As a successful small business owner, he knows what meeting a payroll, hard work, responsibility, and teamwork mean. I know he has been – and will continue to be – an incredibly valuable member of the West Virginia Senate.”

As progressive Democrats continue to push the party towards insanity will moderate Dems make the eventual switch to the GOP? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Pompeo Says Impending Trump Announcement Won’t Deter His Own 2024 Plans

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Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hours before Donald Trump is expected to formally announce his 2024 presidential campaign Republicans are making it clear his announcement won’t deter their own political ambitions.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been floated as an early contender to mount his own presidential bid, possibly teeing up a challenge against his old boss.

While some Republicans, like Nikki Haley, that have expressed interest in seeking the Republican nomination in 2024 have indicated their plans will ultimately rely on Trump’s decision Pompeo says that is not the case for himself.

“We’re trying to think our way though, figuring out what’s next for us,” Pompeo told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, adding, “But what happens today or tomorrow, what some other person decides won’t have any impact on that [decision].”

“We need more seriousness,” Pompeo said. “We need less noise. We need steady hands. We need leaders that are looking forward, not staring in the rearview mirror claiming victimhood.”

Trump is set to make a “special announcement” at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday night.

The former president could be facing another challenge for the nomination from another administration official – former Vice President Mike Pence.

On Monday, when asked by ABC “World News Tonight” host David Muir about his 2024 plans Pence answered that he’s giving “prayerful consideration” to a 2024 presidential bid.

“We’re giving it consideration in our house. Prayerful consideration,” Pence said.

Asked whether former President Donald Trump should ever be president again, Pence said, “That’s up to the American people. But I think we’ll have better choices in the future.”

He added, “For me and my family, we’ll be reflecting about what our role is in that.”

Trump-Backed Incumbent Ousted In GOP Primary

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Missvain, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) lost his Republican primary to former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, dealing a rare defeat to an incumbent backed by President Donald Trump and making Ogles the latest House member to fall in a bruising 2026 primary season.

The Associated Press projected Hatcher the winner in Tennessee’s newly redrawn 5th Congressional District after he built a roughly six-point lead over Ogles.

Hatcher Overcomes Trump Endorsement

Ogles entered the race with Trump’s endorsement and a reputation as one of the more combative members of the House Freedom Caucus.

Hatcher, however, assembled his own roster of prominent Republican supporters, including Gov. Bill Lee and former Gov. Bill Haslam. He campaigned as broadly supportive of Trump while arguing that the heavily agricultural district needed a more effective and locally focused representative.

“The message resonated, and the message was: Work like a farmer, get things done and serve others,” Hatcher told the AP after his victory.

The redrawn district also presented Ogles with an unusual challenge: according to the AP, roughly 82% of voters in the new 5th District were new to him after Tennessee lawmakers reshaped the congressional map earlier this year.

Outside Money Played Major Role

Hatcher benefited from a significant late infusion of outside spending.

The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, a clean energy super PAC, poured roughly $2 million into the contest, including a $700,000 advertising push in the final week. The group targeted Ogles over his support for rolling back clean energy tax incentives.

The spending helped turn what once appeared to be a comfortable Ogles advantage into a genuine contest. By late July, betting markets and internal polling were showing the race tightening.

Ogles accused the group of improperly interfering in the Republican primary and portrayed the spending as an effort by outside liberal interests to punish him for his conservative record.

Controversies Followed Ogles

Ogles also entered the primary carrying political baggage from his four years in Congress.

He drew repeated criticism for inflammatory public statements and was the subject of a federal investigation into his campaign finance reporting. The FBI seized his cellphone in 2024 as part of that inquiry, although the Justice Department later moved to return the device, signaling that the investigation was being abandoned. He was never charged with a crime.

Ogles also faced scrutiny over discrepancies in descriptions of his educational background and made national headlines for some of his statements on immigration, Islam and political opponents.

Rare Defeat for a Trump-Endorsed Republican

Hatcher’s victory is especially notable because Trump personally backed Ogles and praised him as a “Conservative Warrior” on Election Day.

Trump’s endorsement remains highly influential in Republican primaries, making Ogles’ defeat an uncommon example of GOP voters rejecting an incumbent despite the president’s support.

The result also underscores that endorsements alone cannot always overcome a combination of redistricting, weak fundraising, well-funded opposition and local dissatisfaction.

Hatcher Heavily Favored in November

Hatcher will now face Democratic nominee and Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder in the Nov. 3 general election.

The district remains solidly Republican, making Hatcher the clear favorite heading into November.

His victory also adds to an unusually turbulent year for House incumbents. Ogles is among several sitting members of Congress who have lost primaries in 2026, highlighting growing voter willingness in both parties to replace incumbents rather than automatically return them to Washington.

Lara Trump Teases ‘Many’ Trumps May Run For Office

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Fox News host Lara Trump suggested on Tuesday that “many” members of the Trump family could eventually pursue political office, hinting that the political ambitions of President Donald Trump’s relatives may extend beyond his own career. Her comments came during an appearance on Miranda Devine’s Pod Force One podcast.

Reflecting on her father-in-law’s influence, Lara Trump said, “I have looked at my father-in-law over the past eleven, almost twelve years now, and I’ve watched the impact that he’s been able to make in people’s lives and it’s amazing. Look, he’s dealt with hell, right? He has gone through so much.” She added that watching Trump’s persistence has inspired “everyone in our family” and left open the possibility that more Trumps could enter electoral politics:

“…I’d consider running for a possible Senate seat. So I would never say never to anything. What I do feel like, and whether it’s for Donald Trump running… or a Senate run, or whatever it might be for me or I think anyone in our family, I think the timing has to be right…”

Lara Trump noted that timing thwarted her own past efforts, pointing to earlier years when a run “didn’t work out” — a reference to when she considered but ultimately declined Senate bids in 2022 and again in 2025.

Turning to the question of broader family ambitions, she said, “we’ve all kind of dipped our toe in the water of politics enough to know that it’s something that I think possibly interests many of us in our family…” before acknowledging that Democrats “would love to hear that it may not end just with Donald Trump.”

When asked whether former President Trump encourages potential family runs, Lara Trump replied that he has been “absolutely a champion” of her own political endeavors, calling her regularly with names of supporters urging her to run. She added that Trump “certainly would have their backs” if any of the family chose to seek office.

Devine closed the discussion by musing that the future might bring a “President Trump of the new generation,” perhaps from among “all three” of Trump’s children or close relatives.

Context: Past Speculation About Trump Family Political Runs

Lara Trump’s comments tap into ongoing speculation that the Trump family might try to extend its influence beyond Donald Trump’s own career:

• Lara Trump and the North Carolina Senate:
Before deciding not to run, Lara Trump was widely viewed as a potential Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina after Senator Thom Tillis announced his retirement, drawing substantial interest from GOP leaders and national strategists. Georgia Republicans had even paused their own campaigns pending her decision. However, she ultimately chose not to enter the race, and former RNC Chair Michael Whatley has since picked up key endorsements from Donald Trump and Lara for the seat.

• Other Trump family members:
There has also been public conversation about other Trump relatives entering politics. Eric Trump, the president’s second son, spoke in mid-2025 about the possibility that he — or other family members — could seek public office in the future, suggesting a “Trump political dynasty” might emerge beyond Donald Trump’s own presidency. Eric said a political career for the family “would be an easy one” if the relatives were willing to commit, though no formal campaigns have been launched.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. has maintained a high public profile through media and podcasting, and Ivanka Trump served as a senior adviser during her father’s earlier presidency, though she has since stepped back from active politics. Other younger family members, like Tiffany Trump and Barron Trump, have been less involved publicly, and there is no indication they have declared political intentions

Johnson Reveals His Next Move On The SAVE America Act

Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are preparing another attempt to send the SAVE America Act to President Donald Trump’s desk, this time by packaging the election integrity legislation into a future budget reconciliation bill that could bypass the Senate filibuster.

Johnson made the remarks during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” telling Shannon Bream that the bill remains one of the White House’s top priorities and pledging that the House will take it up again after passing it three previous times.

Johnson Eyes Reconciliation Strategy

“We’re going to try one more time on a budget reconciliation bill,” Johnson said. “I think that will be the way to get it through the Senate, and finally, to the president’s desk.”

WATCH:

The SAVE America Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and a government-issued photo ID to cast a ballot in federal elections. The House approved the measure in February, but it has repeatedly stalled in the Senate, where Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

Johnson acknowledged that reality, saying there is “zero chance” seven Senate Democrats would support the bill under the chamber’s normal rules.

Trump Continues To Push Election Bill

Johnson said President Trump considers the legislation a top priority and has encouraged congressional Republicans to continue pursuing it.

The speaker said Republicans are developing another reconciliation package that would combine election integrity measures with budget-related provisions in hopes of qualifying for the Senate’s reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority for passage.

Johnson has previously suggested tying election integrity provisions to a federal grant program for states, arguing that such a structure could satisfy reconciliation rules while encouraging states to adopt stricter voting standards.

House Conservatives Press Leadership

The issue has exposed divisions within the House Republican conference in recent weeks.

A group of conservative Republicans temporarily blocked House business after demanding the SAVE America Act be attached to must-pass legislation, including the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Johnson ultimately agreed to merge the election bill with the defense package before sending it to the Senate, though he acknowledged the Senate could later remove the provision.

Johnson defended his handling of the dispute, saying House Republicans remain united behind the goal of enacting the legislation despite disagreements over strategy.

Senate Outlook Remains Uncertain

Whether the proposal can ultimately pass through reconciliation remains an open question.

Senate Republicans have expressed differing views on pursuing another reconciliation package, and reconciliation rules generally limit legislation to provisions directly affecting federal spending, revenues, or the debt.

Still, Johnson said he is confident House Republicans can assemble a package that Senate Republicans will support.

“We’re planning to send over a bill that will be irresistible for any Republican,” he said, arguing it would promote affordability, reduce government waste and strengthen election integrity.

READ NEXT: Watch: Congresswoman’s July Fourth Message Leaves Millions Fuming

Trump Says GOP Has a ‘Good Bench’ for 2028—But Won’t Name a Successor Yet

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President Trump says Republicans are well-positioned for the future—and that the party has a deep lineup of potential leaders ready to carry the America First agenda into 2028.

In an interview airing Wednesday night on NewsNation’s “Katie Pavlich Tonight,” Trump was asked whether he sees a clear successor who could continue his legacy in the White House.

“I hope so,” Trump said. “And we certainly have a good bench. We have some very talented people.”

While the president acknowledged he has early favorites, he declined to name any one candidate this far out.

“I do, but it’s so early,” Trump told Pavlich. “I don’t like to [say].”

Trump Highlights Key Leaders Driving the Agenda

When pressed for names, Trump pointed to the strength of his administration and the results his team is delivering—especially on issues central to Republican voters, including border security, economic recovery, and restoring America’s standing abroad.

“Look, we have great people,” Trump said. “I’m not just talking about one or two—we have so many great people.”

Asked again who specifically stood out, Trump singled out several of the most prominent figures in his circle:

  • Vice President JD Vance, whom Trump credited with strong leadership and loyalty to the MAGA coalition
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a familiar and experienced voice on foreign policy
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been a key figure in Trump’s economic team

Trump also praised officials leading the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and security efforts:

  • Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar and a longtime advocate of tougher enforcement
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has taken a visible role in administration security priorities

“I could name 20 people that are phenomenal,” Trump added.

A Sign of Confidence—and a Message to Voters

Trump’s remarks are being read by many Republicans as a clear message: the GOP is not just a one-man movement. While Trump remains the dominant figure in conservative politics, his comments suggest the broader America First bench is expanding—a sign of stability and staying power for the party beyond any single election cycle.

In recent years, Republican voters have increasingly prioritized candidates who will:

  • fight the administrative state rather than manage it
  • take border enforcement seriously
  • resist “forever war” foreign policy
  • challenge corporate-media narratives instead of courting them

Trump’s list reflects that shift and highlights Republicans who have gained credibility with the base through real governance and public-facing leadership.

Midterms: Republicans Eye a Comeback in 2026

The comments come as Republicans begin gearing up for the 2026 midterms following setbacks in last year’s elections. Democrats and their allied media have tried to portray those results as a long-term trend—yet history suggests otherwise.

Trump himself addressed the challenge in an earlier Fox News interview, noting that the party in power “always loses” seats in midterm elections. That pattern has been true for decades and reflects voter turnout dynamics and backlash politics more than any permanent realignment.

A new Emerson College poll shows Democrats leading a hypothetical generic ballot matchup at 48.1% to 41.7%, with 10.2% undecided. But Republicans caution that early polling—especially this far from Election Day—often fails to capture likely-voter turnout, local issues, and late-breaking shifts that typically determine midterms.

Bottom Line

Trump may not be naming a successor yet, but he’s signaling something important: the Republican Party has depth, talent, and rising leaders ready to keep building on the movement voters started in 2016.

For Republicans focused on winning in 2026—and holding the line against Democrats’ spending agenda, cultural policies, and bureaucratic overreach—Trump’s message was simple: the team is strong, and the fight isn’t slowing down.


Tim Walz Says He Was Selected As 2024 Running Mate ‘To Code Talk To White Guys’

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The truth comes out…

Former vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) is pulling back the curtain on the reasoning behind Democrats’ disastrous 2024 election decision-making.

The unsuccessful vice presidential candidate who is currently on a self-described “listening tour” across the country at a Harvard Kennedy School forum on Monday night said Harris chose him to be her running mate, in part, because, “I could code talk to White guys watching football, fixing their truck” and “put them at ease.”

Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Minnesota governor described himself as the “permission structure” for White men from rural America to vote for Democrats. 

“I think I’ll give you pretty good stuff, but I’ll also give you 10% problematic,” Walz added when pushed by moderator Brittany Shepherd, ABC News national political reporter, about why he didn’t take that message to cable news to reach a larger audience. Walz laughed off criticism over inconsistencies in his background on the 2024 campaign trail, describing himself as a “knucklehead.”

Despite the claim the Walz was chosen by the Harris campaign to relate to White men, he has been unable to escape the nickname “Tampon Tim,” coined by conservatives for his bill providing free menstrual products to “all menstruating students” in school restrooms grades 4 to 12, including the boys’ room. (RELATED: Watch: Veterans Heckle Tim Walz For Stolen Valor Claims, China Ties)

Regardless of the comment or legislation, conservatives find a way to criticize “Tampon Tim,” including when Walz claimed he could fight most Trump supporters earlier this year. (RELATED: Tim Walz Complains About Attacks On His Masculinity)

Earlier this month, Walz confirmed to CNN’s Jake Tapper that he was considering a third bid for Minnesota governor but was not mulling a run for president in 2028.

When asked what he would have done differently in 2024, Walz replied, “We would have won.” While acknowledging that Democrats lost in November, Walz said the party is “better off doing more” in “every forum,” following criticism that Democrats didn’t prioritize media appearances enough in 2024, whether long-form podcasts or traditional network news shows. 

Further reflecting on the Democrats’ 2024 losses, Walz said the party wins on the issues and “competency,” but “we lose the message, and we lose power.”

“Why have we lost the self-identity that the Democratic Party is for personal freedoms, middle-class folks, for labor folks. How did we lose it, where people didn’t self-identify with that? How did we get to a point where people didn’t feel like this was an important enough election to get out and vote?” Walz asked during his speech Monday. 

Does Walz stand any chance of rebuilding his political reputation? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

House Democrat Moves To Force Trump Impeachment Vote

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A House Democrat is attempting to force a vote to impeach President Donald Trump.

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) introduced his impeachment resolution as privileged on Tuesday afternoon, meaning leaders have two days of the House in session to take up the legislation.

House GOP leaders could move to table the motion, a procedural vote aimed to scuttle a piece of legislation without having lawmakers vote on the legislation itself.

No Republicans are likely to support impeaching Trump, however, meaning Thanedar’s measure will likely fail.

“Donald Trump has unlawfully conducted himself, bringing shame to the presidency and the people of the United States,” Thanedar said when deeming his resolution privileged.

Thanedar also took a swing at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), calling it a “flagrantly unconstitutional creation.”

The India-born Michigan Democrat first introduced seven articles of impeachment against Trump in late April.

They include charges of obstruction of justice, tyranny, bribery and corruption, and abuse of trade powers, among others. 

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.