WASHINGTON – Nearly two dozen House Democrats joined Republicans on Thursday to block a vote aimed at forcing the impeachment of President Trump, frustrating many within their party. The vote, which sided with GOP leaders, drew sharp criticism from Democrats who oppose using impeachment as a political weapon but also do not want to appear lenient toward Trump.
The effort to force a vote came from Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who described Trump as “an abuser of presidential power” and cited the former president’s recent remarks calling a video of House Democrats urging military members to resist unlawful orders “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) introduced a motion to “table” Green’s impeachment effort, effectively killing it. The motion passed 237 to 140, with 23 Democrats joining 214 Republicans in support. An additional 47 Democrats voted “present,” with some changing their position just before the vote closed.
The results mark a shift from June, when fewer Democrats opposed Green’s prior motion to table impeachment. Key Democratic leaders—including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)—voted “present” this time instead of supporting the motion to table.
The vote comes as more Democrats increasingly rely on impeachment to hold Trump and his allies accountable. In recent weeks, articles of impeachment have been introduced against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and one lawmaker has pushed for proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), who voted “present,” emphasized that while he believes Trump has committed impeachable offenses, the process should be preceded by investigation and deliberation. He added that, given Republican control of both chambers, accountability through Congress is unlikely, and defeating Trump at the ballot box in the 2026 midterms may be the most viable path.