Rahm Emanuel Advises Democrats Against Trump Impeachment if House is Won

Former Chicago Mayor and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel has urged Democrats against pursuing impeachment of President Donald Trump should they gain control of the House of Representatives. Emanuel stated on NBC News' "Meet the Press" that such a move would be unproductive and divisive, advocating instead for a focus on ethics reform.

"Short answer: No, because it’s not going anywhere, and it’s going to be a food fight, and it’s just going to be we return to the politics of fighting," Emanuel said when asked about impeaching Trump. He added, "You’re never going to get an impeachment. Then if you do that, you just basically prove all Washington is what the American people think. It’s Disneyland on the Potomac. Deliver the change. Deliver a comprehensive ethics package that uses the investigations to then deliver change."

Emanuel's remarks come as Democrats are projected to hold a significant advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. Projections suggest Democrats could win 215 seats in the House, requiring only three more victories in toss-up races to secure a majority. Republicans would need to win at least 17 of those races to gain control.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has previously stated that while nothing is ruled out regarding accountability for Trump, the party's primary focus is on addressing the high cost of living for Americans. "We haven’t ruled anything in or ruled anything out in terms of accountability. What we have said is that our focus is going to be to make life more affordable for the American people. We have to drive down the high cost of living," Jeffries said in June.

Emanuel, who also served as mayor of Chicago and chief of staff for former President Barack Obama, has been speculated as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race. He has positioned himself as a moderate Democrat, critical of the influence of Democratic Socialists within the party.