Democratic Rep. Al Green said Friday that he would try again to impeach President Donald Trump, a day after his latest effort failed to win enough support in the House.
Speaking on the House floor, the Texas congressman described himself as “a proud, liberated Democrat,” even as members of his own party declined to back his resolution.
“I believe in this flag. I believe in liberty and justice for all. I don’t support beneficial bigotry. I don’t support people who desecrate what the flag really means as it relates to the Constitution,” Green said.
Why It Matters
Green has made multiple attempts over the years to impeach Trump. But previous efforts that went nowhere appear to have left Democrats far more hesitant to rally around another impeachment push—especially with Republicans currently controlling both the House and the Senate.
What To Know
During his remarks, Green pointed to his patriotic-themed tie—red-and-white stripes with white stars on a blue field—saying it reflected his belief in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“There are many people who have said to me that the tie is old, that it appears to be soiled and stained, but it’s my favorite tie, it’s a tie that I will never surrender,” he said. “It’s a tie that means something to me because it stands for something, it stands for the Pledge of Allegiance.”
Green spoke for roughly 35 minutes, thanking lawmakers who supported him the day before and citing past statements from scholars and legislators on Congress’ impeachment authority.
In Thursday’s vote, 23 Democrats opposed his motion and another 47 voted “present.” A total of 140 House Democrats voted against tabling the resolutions. Republicans largely moved to shut the effort down, with 214 voting to table and six not voting.
Despite the loss, Green said he wasn’t backing off. He argued that “millions” of Americans oppose the administration’s policies and insisted there was no reason to stop pressing forward.
“Those were not the last articles of impeachment that will be brought to the floor,” Green said, referring to the measure. “They’re not the last to be brought to the floor for a vote to remove Donald John Trump from office.”
Background
Trump has been impeached twice by the House.
The first impeachment, in December 2019, centered on allegations that he withheld congressionally approved aid to Ukraine in an effort tied to a political rival.
He was impeached a second time after the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol carried out by his supporters. That effort drew some Republican support, with 10 House Republicans voting in favor and five GOP senators voting to convict.
While Democrats did not unify behind Green’s latest impeachment push, lawmakers this week filed articles of impeachment targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
What People Are Saying
House Democratic leaders said they planned to vote “present,” while criticizing Trump’s conduct:
“Donald Trump’s out-of-control behavior continues to put the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people at risk. At the same time, House Republicans have zero interest in holding this corrupt administration accountable.”
Florida Republican Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart told the Associated Press on Thursday:
“It shows you they have no agenda. And so this is the kind of stuff that they’ve been doing, as opposed to actually trying to solve the American people’s issues. This is not a surprise, but it just shows you that the Democrats continue to do the same kind of thing they’ve been doing for years, which is playing games and not coming up with real solutions.”
What Happens Next
Republicans have argued the impeachment push is a distraction, but they’ve also warned Democrats could return to impeachment with more momentum if they regain control of the House next year.
