7 hours ago
Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar on Tuesday forcefully denounced Donald Trump’s "irrational" and "unconstitutional" actions after launching a bid to impeach the US President, the first of his second term.
Thanedar introduced seven articles of impeachment against Trump for various actions, from his steep tariff policy to controversial deportations and indiscriminate federal cost-cutting under DOGE. In a video posted to his X account, the Michigan Democrat called out Trump for his "tyrannical overreach" and accused him of dealing real damage to American democracy by blatantly ignoring constitutional checks and balances.
Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, Thanedar said it was time for him to take a stand and hold the President accountable.
"He has done unconstitutional activity, illegal activities, he has taken advantage of his office for personal gain, and it was time for me to speak out," he said.
Thanedar acknowledged that the impeachment effort faces challenges but expressed optimism that bipartisan support may emerge. “We are only three votes shy of a majority and so I am hoping that some of the Republicans would join Democrats in impeaching Trump,” he said.
"I'm hoping that some Republican members of Congress would look at his acts. Many of them privately agree that what he's doing is unconstitutional. Their constituents think what Donald Trump is doing is unconstitutional and undemocratic and not becoming [of] the President of United States," he added.
The US lawmaker lambasted the mercurial Trump for his economic and policy decisions, pointing to the adverse impact on markets, workers, wages and jobs. He warned that these moves would have lasting consequences.
"There are a lot of flip-flops. Today he has tariffs, tomorrow he removes them. There is no clear vision, there is no clear plan, there is no clear strategy," he said.
He also voiced concern over Trump’s collaboration with billionaire Elon Musk, and the dismantling of key public institutions and services under their watch.
"It’s causing damage by dismantling things like the Department of Education, by cutting social programmes and by cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security — and these are going to create a long-lasting impact," Thanedar said.
Looking at the bigger picture, Thanedar said Trump’s words and actions have strained the US's long-standing relationships with allies and tarnished its reputation on the global stage.
"All of that needs to be repaired after him and that will take a long time to restore some of the credibility America has accomplished over the decades," he said. "There is a lot of respect for America across the world and some of the actions of President Trump has eroded that honour and it would have to be restored back."
Trump was impeached twice during his first term but acquitted by the US Senate both times. Political analysts say Thanedar's impeachment bid is a long shot, as both the House and the Senate are controlled by the Republican Party.
Published By:
Devika Bhattacharya
Published On:
Apr 29, 2025
