Democratic Strategy for the Upcoming Midterms

With the race for the House of Representatives heating up as the 2026 midterms approach, a departing House Democrat has put forth a detailed plan on how a possible Democratic majority might take aim at the White House starting in January.

Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN) has introduced 26 articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, suggesting that House Democrats are ready to pursue serious oversight and impeachment efforts if they take back control this fall, as reported in a Newsweek article. This extensive resolution addresses nearly every aspect of the administration’s second-term agenda—from military actions near Venezuela to the controversial deployment of federal forces in cities, the implementation of executive orders regarding birthright citizenship, and aggressive deportation strategies.

“Trump is clearly the most impeachable President our country has ever endured,” Cohen expressed in a statement. “His ongoing presence in office poses a threat to our democracy. Just because the Republican majority in Congress neglects its responsibilities, it doesn’t mean I will do the same.”

He further emphasized, “I took an independent oath to support and defend the Constitution. That commitment drives me to present this resolution today. When historians reflect on this time, and our constituents ask who opposed President Trump’s lawlessness, I want this resolution to be the answer.”

Though the chances of the measure gaining traction in the current Republican-led House are slim, Cohen depicted the resolution as a guide for the new 120th Congress, cautioning that a shift in power would trigger a significant constitutional confrontation.

Nine days prior to Cohen’s announcement, the House rejected motions from Representative Al Green (D-TX). On September 15, the House voted 232-147 to dismiss Green’s attempts.

Cohen’s articles of impeachment outline the following points:

• Elections & Democratic Integrity:

• Military & Foreign Operations:

  • Article II: Waging War on Iran Without Congressional Approval.

  • Article III: Extrajudicial Killings in International Waters of Venezuela.

  • Article IV: Deploying Military Forces Against United States Cities.

• Immigration & Civil Rights:

  • Article V: Birthright Citizenship Executive Order.

  • Article VIII: Disregard of Courts regarding the Alien Enemies Act and Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

  • Article IX: Cruel and Unusual Punishment at CECOT detention centers.

  • Article XII: Ignoring Court Orders in Immigration Enforcement.

• Executive Power & Agency Control:

  • Article VI: Canceling Federal Grants to Punish States for Their Votes.

  • Article VII: Imposing Loyalty Tests on the Federal Workforce.

  • Article X: Withholding Appropriated Funds and Dismantling Established Programs.

  • Article XI: Obstructing the Lawful Appointment of United States Attorneys.

  • Article XIII: Abolishing a Congressionally Mandated Agency (The Department of Education).

  • Article XIV: Mass Termination of Inspectors General Without Notice.

  • Article XXIV: Illegal Impoundment of Appropriated Funds.

• Economic & Financial Authority:

• Justice Department & Executive Clemency:

  • Article XVI: Political Prosecutions of James Comey, Letitia James, and Adam Schiff.

  • Article XVIII: Corrupt Use of the Pardon Power.

• Free Press & Speech Restrictions:

  • Article XIX: Banning Reporters from the White House over Disfavored Coverage.

  • Article XX: Coercing CBS and ABC to Alter Editorial Content.

  • Article XXI: Retaliatory Executive Orders Against Law Firms.

  • Article XXII: Coercing Universities Through Withheld Federal Funds.

• Ethics, Infrastructure, & Emoluments:

  • Article XXIII: Demolishing the White House East Wing Without Congressional Approval.

  • Article XXV: Self-Promotion through Renaming Public Institutions and Seizing Civic Property.

  • Article XXVI: Emoluments Violations—Personal Profits from the Presidency.

Cohen, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, portrayed his resolution as a foundational plan for the 120th Congress in the event of a Democratic takeover during the midterms. However, much like Green’s previous motions, Cohen’s resolution will likely be set aside in the current legislative environment.

“I genuinely believe that the 120th Congress will fulfill its duties as a co-equal branch of government and act as a check on the executive,” he commented. “I hope this resolution lays the groundwork for accountability. We cannot accept such lawlessness and corruption.”

By presenting a comprehensive indictment against Trump, Cohen has crafted more than just a symbolic protest; he has laid out a framework for a significant challenge to the administration.

While Republican leadership is expected to avoid addressing these articles, as they did with Green’s attempts, the resolution still serves its purpose. It rallies the Democratic base and clearly indicates what could come.

If the House shifts to Democratic control in November, this detailed document means that the first day of the 120th Congress will not be spent coming up with a new oversight plan, but rather implementing a structured strategy to confront the White House across various constitutional issues.

Interestingly, Cohen won’t be serving in Congress in January. Following redistricting changes that complicated his re-election, he has already ended his campaign for another term.