Backbench Democrat Shri Thanedar Tries To Save Career By Impeaching Trump

Democratic Michigan Rep. Shri Thanedar, a pharmaceutical magnate born in India and elected to Congress in 2023, introduced articles of impeachment Monday against President Donald Trump. 

Thanedar filed seven articles of impeachment, which included accusations of abusing executive and trade powers and defying Congress by removing their power of the purse.

Thanedar cited the Supreme Court’s unanimous April 10 decision that the Trump administration must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national the administration deported in March that officials allege is part of the MS-13 gang.

“Trump has already done real damage to our democracy by defying a unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court ruling. That has to be the final straw. It’s time we impeach Donald J. Trump,” Thanedar said in a video posted to social media.

I have introduced articles of impeachment against President Trump.

When Trump ignores the Constitution, Congress, and the courts, he is not “fighting for America.”

He is tearing it down and endangering our democracy. pic.twitter.com/40iBTZKjkC

— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) April 28, 2025

Thanedar did not mention Chief Justice John Roberts’ temporary halt on that order or the seven-day pause issued by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis on April 23. (RELATED: Trump Admin Asks Supreme Court To Block Order To Return Alleged MS-13 Gangbanger)

Thanedar is facing significant opposition from his own party in his upcoming reelection contest. State Rep. Donovan McKinney became the second Democrat to announce a primary challenge to Thanedar on Monday. Shortly before Thanedar introduced his articles, McKinney announced his challenge, calling the failed gubernatorial candidate an “out-of-touch multimillionaire who has more in common with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk than any of us.”

McKinney also claimed that Thanedar has spent more taxpayer money on advertisements promoting himself than any other member of Congress last year.

“As a result, Thanedar reimbursed himself nearly half a million dollars from House taxpayer dollars and over 50% of his 2024 Congressional expenses went to advertising and printing, while the average House member spent 5% on similar expenses,” McKinney wrote on his website.

McKinney joins former State Sen. Adam Hollier in challenging Thanedar for his seat. Thanedar has faced criticism from other local politicians.

“He’s not a bad person, he’s just not helping,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in May 2024, adding his voice to a chorus of black city and county leaders calling for Thanedar’s exit.