Is there any doubt that President Trump, his family, and his associates have done things that qualify as “high crimes and misdemeanors”? I will cite only one small example: accepting compensation in exchange for pardons for wealthy convicts. Congressional Democrats have no shortage of grounds for investigation and impeachment.
Trump knows it. On January 6, 2026, he told House Republicans: “You gotta win the midterms ’cause, if we don’t win the midterms, … they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached.” Sen. John Cornyn, whom Trump helped push out in his Texas primary, later warned that Trump would face “the most miserable two years of his life” if Democrats won in November.
They did, and by a far larger margin than Trump feared. Democrats took both chambers of Congress, and Trump’s power is vastly diminished. The Big Bad Wolf’s teeth no longer frighten Republicans the way they did during primary season. A third impeachment is more plausible than ever, and so, perhaps, is a conviction in the Senate.
Should Democrats therefore come at him with every gun blazing? My answer is no, unless he refuses to play ball.
What I hope they will do is quickly investigate thoroughly enough to make clear that Congress could impeach and convict. Then they should step back and say: “Mr. President, let’s make a deal. Work with us to pass legislation that is good for the nation and that most Americans support, and we will not pursue your removal. You can live out the rest of your term in peace.”
And as we all should know by now – the man cares nothing about the Republican Party or wellbeing of our nation. This malignant narcissist only cares about himself
What might such a deal include? A few suggestions:
• Cabinet. Replace the officials who have proven unfit, such as Hegseth and Kennedy, along with a chief of staff who has been a source of division from the get go.
• Social Security and Medicare. Both programs are projected to become insolvent within the next president’s first term. Enact reforms that significantly extend their solvency.
• Artificial intelligence. Establish wise, thorough oversight of this technology.
• Guns. Pass meaningful gun-safety legislation to the extent the Supreme Court allows.
• Immigration. Create a path to citizenship for those who have lived here 8 to 10 years, have committed no serious crimes, hold jobs, and pay taxes.
• Ukraine. Stop siding with Putin’s Russia and give Ukraine full support.
• Trade. End the needless trade wars and tariffs against our allies.
• Spending priorities. Drop the vanity projects and increase funding for national parks. Let him have his name on some currency, let him have his ballroom, but don’t pay for it. Absolute no on the Arch and preventing the future change of decor in the Oval Office.
• Climate. Rejoin the Paris Agreement and restart policies that address climate change.
Will Republicans go along? They are in a tough spot. If Democrats start doing what Americans have long wanted Congress to do, why would voters return Republicans to power? Without a President Trump to wield the veto pen, congressional Republicans will have little leverage and little relevance. But if they don’t fight the Dems, then that will upset their base.
There should be a price to pay by Republicans for abandoning so many of their principles just to please Donald Trump. Love of power and fear of defeat are powerful motivators.
Democrats should leave the vengeance and meanness as the distinguishing marks of the Republican Party. They can show the country that they care more about the well-being of the American people than about acting like middle-school bullies.
Can we have consensus on this?
By Publius 21C
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