Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, has reversed his previous stance and now supports impeaching President Donald Trump and potentially Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Smith, who would chair the committee if Democrats regain control of the House, told TIME that Trump has become "beyond dangerous" and "completely out of control."
Smith's shift in position comes as Democrats consider their strategy for confronting the president should they win a House majority in the upcoming midterm elections. While many Democrats believe Trump has engaged in conduct warranting impeachment, there is division on whether another attempt would be an effective use of their authority, especially given that previous impeachments resulted in Senate acquittals and a conviction would require a two-thirds majority.
Previously, Smith had expressed reservations about impeachment, noting that it had historically strengthened the target. He had argued for carefully considering the realistic outcomes and whether impeachment would effectively defeat Trump's ideology. However, he now cites Trump's "conciliatory posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin," decisions regarding American support for Ukraine, and increasingly "unhinged speeches" as critical factors in his changed view. "The Ukraine stuff definitely had a profound impact," Smith stated.
While some Democrats, like Rep. Jamie Raskin, acknowledge grounds for impeachment, they question whether another trial would be the best use of congressional time and political capital. Rep. Adam Schiff, who led the prosecution during Trump's first impeachment, suggested focusing initially on investigations into corruption affecting Americans' finances, rather than immediately pursuing impeachment.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also declined to commit to impeachment, stating that "we haven't ruled anything in, and we haven't ruled anything out," and that investigations should guide any decision.
Smith also indicated support for impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggesting that some Republicans might be more willing to impeach a cabinet secretary than the president. "There are Republicans who would support impeaching Hegseth who might not support doing it to Trump," Smith said. Hegseth has faced scrutiny over his handling of the war with Iran, military leadership changes, and the Pentagon's relationship with Congress. Some Republicans have expressed frustration with his leadership, although Trump has defended him.
Rep. Jason Crow, also on the Armed Services Committee, noted that lawmakers are preparing for extensive investigations into the Pentagon regardless of the election outcome, citing issues such as the removal of senior military officers, defense fund misuse, and the handling of the Iran war. Crow stated that impeachment is just one tool available to Congress, and its use would depend on the post-election congressional landscape and the goal of curbing the administration's actions.