Former Chicago Mayor and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel told Democrats not to attempt to impeach President Donald Trump if they win control of the House of Representatives in next month's midterm elections. Speaking on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Emanuel argued that impeachment would lead to a political fight without tangible results, urging the party to prioritize ethics reform instead.
Emanuel stated that an impeachment effort would not go anywhere and would only prove that Washington is a spectacle. He described the potential process as a "food fight" that would return the country to the "politics of fighting." "You're never going to get an impeachment," he said, adding that Democrats should deliver a comprehensive ethics package using investigations to drive change rather than engaging in partisan battles.
The comments come as Democrats hold a significant advantage in the race for the House. Projections indicate Democrats are on track to win 215 seats compared to 201 for Republicans. With 19 toss-up races remaining, Democrats need three more victories to secure a majority, while Republicans must win at least 17 of those races to maintain control.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not definitively ruled out impeachment proceedings. In June, Jeffries told NBC that the party has not ruled anything in or out regarding accountability, but emphasized that the focus must be on making life more affordable for American people and driving down the high cost of living.
Emanuel, who served as chief of staff for former President Barack Obama, is one of several prominent Democrats rumored to be considering a 2028 presidential run. He has positioned himself as a moderate Democrat who opposes infiltration by democratic socialists, though he has expressed support for far-left candidates such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Emanuel criticized policies associated with the progressive wing, asking if voters support defunding the police or open borders. He stated that those positions are not the party's official stance. While speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, Emanuel praised Democratic Texas Senate nominee James Talarico for being comfortable discussing his faith. When asked about his support for El-Sayed's candidacy in Michigan, Emanuel initially hedged but ultimately affirmed his desire for Democrats to win the Senate seat.