Trump Faces Impeachment Calls Ahead of 2026 Midterms

President's approval rating hits new low as Democrats eye House control

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Calls for President Donald Trump to be impeached are growing amid his lowest presidential approval rating and growing uncertainty over the Republican Party's congressional fate in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Organized protest rallies are planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 17, with organizers urging lawmakers to impeach the president. Trump was impeached twice during his first term and acquitted in the Senate both times. A third impeachment would likely face significant political barriers due to the current Republican-controlled House and Senate, however the 2026 midterm elections could change that.

Why it matters

A Democratic win in the House would give them control of one of the congressional branches in government and make it harder for Trump to pass his agenda, result in a likely push back on Republican cuts in social spending or requiring more deals when it comes time to raise the debt ceiling, or pushing for impeachment. Trump's low approval ratings and the possibility of a third impeachment effort could have major implications for the Republican Party's performance in the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Trump was impeached twice during his first term and acquitted in the Senate both times. A third impeachment would likely face significant political barriers due to the current Republican-controlled House and Senate, however the 2026 midterm elections could change that. Impeachment requires a majority vote in the House to approve charges against a government official for treason, bribery or other serious abuse of power or misconduct, and then a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict and remove the official from office.

  • Organized protest rallies are planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 17.
  • The most recent H. Res. 939 on Dec. 10, 2025 was tabled by a vote of 237-140.
  • The midterm elections are Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has been impeached twice during his first term and faces the possibility of a third impeachment effort.

Republican Party

The party that currently controls both the House and Senate, but faces uncertainty over its congressional fate in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Democratic Party

The opposition party that is eyeing control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections, which could make it harder for Trump to pass his agenda and potentially lead to a push for impeachment.

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What they’re saying

“We must even run against these people. Now, I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election, because the fake news will say, 'He wants the elections canceled. He's a dictator.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.