President Donald Trump faced his first impeachment threat of his second term on Wednesday as Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) announced plans to introduce Articles of Impeachment.
Green Accuses Trump of Supporting ‘Ethnic Cleansing’
Speaking on the House floor, Green declared, “The movement to impeach the president has begun,” citing Trump’s backing of what he called “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians in Gaza.
Green’s announcement came a day after Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict. During a joint press conference, Trump proposed using U.S. troops to take control of Gaza “if necessary” and suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries. He described plans to rebuild the war-torn region and turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
“Ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not a joke, especially when it emanates from the President of the United States,” Green said. He also criticized Netanyahu, stating, “The Prime Minister of Israel should be ashamed.”
Trump’s History With Impeachment
Trump was twice impeached during his first term—once over allegations that he sought foreign interference in the 2020 election and again over claims that he incited the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was acquitted both times by the Senate.
Green’s impeachment push faces long odds, given the strong Republican majority in the House. Even if articles were introduced, they would be unlikely to gain traction.
Trump Defends Gaza Plan Amid Criticism
At Tuesday’s press conference, Trump doubled down on his vision for Gaza’s redevelopment, insisting that U.S. intervention could transform it into a thriving vacation destination.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings.”
Trump, a longtime real estate developer, has emphasized Gaza’s coastal potential, arguing that U.S.-led reconstruction would create jobs and prevent Palestinians from having to rebuild on their own. When asked if military force would be involved, he responded, “If it’s necessary.”
With strong pushback from Democrats and uncertainty surrounding Green’s impeachment effort, the controversy over Trump’s Gaza remarks is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
