Connecticut Lawmakers Push Futile Efforts to Oust Trump

Senators and Representatives make symbolic moves with no real chance of success

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:02am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with a single American flag hanging limply in the corner, conveying a sense of political stagnation and disillusionment.As partisan gridlock persists in Washington, Connecticut lawmakers continue their symbolic crusade against the president, even as more pressing issues demand attention.Hartford Today

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and Congressman John Larson have each taken steps to try to remove President Trump from office, with Murphy calling for his removal under the 25th Amendment and Larson filing Articles of Impeachment. However, these efforts are widely seen as symbolic gestures that have no realistic chance of gaining traction in Washington and are overshadowed by more pressing issues facing the country.

Why it matters

The repeated attempts by Connecticut lawmakers to oust Trump, despite the clear lack of political support for such moves, highlights the deep partisan divisions in the country and the tendency of some politicians to grandstand on high-profile issues rather than focus on more substantive policy matters that directly impact constituents.

The details

Sen. Chris Murphy has been one of Trump's harshest critics, frequently accusing the president of wrongdoing and calling for his removal. Meanwhile, Congressman John Larson has filed Articles of Impeachment against Trump, the third time such an effort has been made during his presidency. However, neither initiative has any realistic chance of success, as removing a president under the 25th Amendment requires the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet, which is highly unlikely, and impeachment requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate, which has not happened in Trump's previous two impeachment trials.

  • In April 2026, Sen. Chris Murphy called for President Trump's removal from office under the 25th Amendment.
  • Also in April 2026, Congressman John Larson filed Articles of Impeachment against President Trump.

The players

Chris Murphy

A U.S. Senator from Connecticut who has been one of President Trump's harshest critics, frequently accusing him of wrongdoing and calling for his removal from office.

John Larson

A Congressman representing Connecticut's 1st District who has filed Articles of Impeachment against President Trump, the third time such an effort has been made during Trump's presidency.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States under President Trump.

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House, who is considered a close ally of President Trump.

Luke Bronin

A former mayor of Hartford, Connecticut who is challenging Congressman Larson for his seat, highlighting the political challenges Larson is facing in his own district.

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What they’re saying

“Never mind the war, the cost of living, Russians in Ukraine, the southern border and airport security. Murphy and Larson want to remove Trump from office.”

— Bill Stanley, Former reporter at The Day

“If we didn't know better, we might actually believe their indignant pronouncements could go somewhere other than the nearest trash receptacle.”

— Bill Stanley, Former reporter at The Day

What’s next

Congressman Larson's impeachment effort is unlikely to gain traction, as Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is considered a close ally of President Trump and is not expected to appoint a committee or special counsel to initiate impeachment proceedings. However, if Democrats gain control of the House in the next election, they may vote to impeach Trump again, though conviction and removal from office in the Senate remains highly unlikely.

The takeaway

The repeated attempts by Connecticut lawmakers to remove President Trump from office, despite the clear lack of political support for such moves, highlight the deep partisan divisions in the country and the tendency of some politicians to focus on high-profile but ultimately symbolic gestures rather than addressing the more pressing issues facing their constituents.