Donald Trump Impeachment Rumours: Why House Speaker Mike Johnson Claims Third Attempt 'Is Guaranteed'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has declared a third impeachment of Donald Trump 'guaranteed' if Democrats win control of the House of Representatives in November, but the opposition party has yet to commit to pursuing the move.

'It's guaranteed, probably on the first day – first or second day,' Johnson told conservative commentator Scott Jennings in an interview on 6 October. 'Remember, they've already filed articles of impeachment in this Congress. And they're raring to go.'

Johnson's warning comes as Democrats seek to reclaim the House in the 3 November midterm elections. However, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said Democrats have neither ruled impeachment in nor ruled it out, leaving the party's next steps uncertain.

Trump has been impeached twice, in 2019 and 2021, but was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions. A third attempt would reopen a political battle that Democrats must weigh against their other priorities if they win control of the chamber.

Why Mike Johnson Says Impeachment Is Guaranteed

Johnson pointed to impeachment resolutions introduced by individual Democrats during the current Congress as evidence that the party could act quickly after taking control.

Representative Steve Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat, introduced 26 articles of impeachment against Trump on 24 September. His resolution alleges abuses of power, violations of the presidential oath, misuse of the pardon power and violations of the Constitution's emoluments clauses, among other claims.

However, introducing a resolution does not impeach a president. The House must approve at least one article by a majority vote for impeachment to occur.

Jeffries has maintained that Democrats will consider the available options rather than promise a specific course of action. In September, he said the party had 'ruled nothing in and ruled nothing out' regarding impeachment.

That distinction undercuts Johnson's suggestion that a third impeachment is inevitable. Although individual lawmakers have proposed articles, Democratic leaders have not committed to an immediate vote.

Democrats Are Divided Over Impeachment

An Axios report published on 9 October found Democrats divided over whether pursuing another impeachment would be politically worthwhile if they regain the House.

Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who led the prosecution during Trump's second impeachment, has argued that the president committed impeachable offences during his second term. Raskin cited alleged attempts to usurp congressional authority, including disputes over war powers and tariffs.

But support for impeachment does not resolve the question of whether Democrats can remove Trump from office. Conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds majority of senators present, making removal difficult even if Democrats control the House.

'We're very sober about what that two-thirds requirement means on the Senate side,' Raskin said.

He added: 'It is not a fetish with us. On the other hand, it's definitely not a taboo.'

The debate exposes a strategic dilemma. Impeachment could appeal to voters demanding a stronger challenge to Trump, but it could also consume congressional time and distract from economic concerns and other campaign promises.

Some progressive Democrats, including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna, have expressed support for impeachment. Others favour investigations and oversight before deciding whether formal proceedings are justified.

What Could Trigger a Third Impeachment

Cohen's resolution covers a broad range of allegations, including claims concerning military action without congressional approval, election-related conduct, court orders and the treatment of media organisations. These are allegations in a proposed resolution, not findings established through an impeachment trial.

If Democrats win the House, committee investigations and subpoenas could provide an early route to scrutinising the administration. The issues pursued would depend on the evidence, congressional priorities and decisions by the incoming leadership.

The White House has sought to frame impeachment as a political distraction. According to Axios, a senior administration official argued that another attempt would allow Republicans to portray Democrats as focused on Trump rather than affordability.

Trump, meanwhile, has dismissed concerns about impeachment. On 7 October, he said he had 'never even worried' about his first two impeachments, according to Axios.

The decision could also shape the 2028 presidential race, as Democratic politicians weigh the demand for confrontation against the need to present an alternative policy agenda.

For now, Johnson's prediction remains a political warning rather than a confirmed plan. Democrats could take control of the House in November, but their leaders have not promised to begin a third impeachment. Whether they pursue investigations, impeachment or both will be decided by the next Congress.