U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) introduced articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on April 6, 2026, accusing the president of high crimes and misdemeanors, including the usurpation of congressional war powers, murder, war crimes, and piracy. The resolution, which contains 13 articles, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is expected to remain with little chance of advancing in the Republican-controlled chamber.
The measure centers on Trump’s military actions and rhetoric toward Iran, particularly threats issued via social media warning that âa whole civilization will die tonightâ if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a set deadline. Larson argues these statements and associated operations violate the Constitution by bypassing Congress’s authority under Article I to declare war. âThrough his serial usurpation of the congressional war power and commission of murder, war crimes and piracy, Donald J. Trump has acted contrary to his trust as president,â the resolution states. It further describes the actions as âsubversive of constitutional governmentâ and detrimental to the American people.
Larson, who has represented Connecticutâs 1st District since 1999, emphasized the risks to American lives and the economy. âDonald Trump has blown past every requirement to be removed from office,â he said. âHis illegal war in Iran is not only driving up prices for American families â it has cost American lives.â In a separate statement, he urged Congress to reassert its constitutional role: âCongress cannot let any leader assert that he is above the Constitution. Article I makes it clear that he must come before Congress to authorize acts of war.â
The impeachment effort coincides with broader Democratic calls for action amid escalating tensions with Iran. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined the chorus by advocating for invocation of the 25th Amendment, which provides a mechanism for removing a president deemed unable to discharge the duties of the office. Larson echoed this position, pressing Trumpâs Cabinet to consider the option seriously.â
White House spokesman Davis Ingle quickly dismissed the resolution as âpathetic,â noting that Democrats have discussed impeaching Trump since before his inauguration. âDemocrats have been talking about impeaching President Trump since before he was even sworn into office,â Ingle said.
This marks the latest in a series of impeachment attempts against Trump during his second term. Earlier in 2025, Reps. Al Green and Shri Thanedar introduced their own measures. Trump was impeached twice during his first term but acquitted both times by the Senate. Any successful removal would require a House majority to impeach followed by a two-thirds Senate convictionâan unlikely outcome given current partisan control.
Political observers view such efforts as partly driven by pressure from the Democratic base. Scott McLean, a professor at Quinnipiac University, previously noted that impeachment pushes often respond to demands from party activists, even when legislative success appears remote.
The move also carries local political undertones in Connecticut. Larson faces primary challenges ahead of his bid for a 15th term, including from former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. Bronin has publicly supported the impeachment and called for Trumpâs removal, describing the president as âunstable ⊠and a danger to our country.â âIâm glad that Congressman Larson has joined me in calling for his removal,â Bronin said. Hartford Board of Education member Ruth Fortune also endorsed the resolution, calling it âoverdueâ and stating that âTrump must be removed from office.â
As of now, the resolution sits in committee with no scheduled hearings or further action. While symbolic, it highlights ongoing partisan divides over presidential authority in foreign policy and war powers. Critics argue it distracts from substantive governance, while supporters maintain it upholds constitutional checks and balances at a time of heightened global tensions.
