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Rep. Jim Clyburn says impeaching Donald Trump should not be House Democrats' top priority

The South Carolina representative urged focusing on affordability, while also expressing support for expanding the Supreme Court.

The short version

  • Rep. Jim Clyburn stated that House Democrats should prioritize reducing living costs over impeaching President Donald Trump if they win the House majority.
  • Clyburn declined to rule impeachment completely in or out, aligning with recent statements by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
  • The South Carolina Democrat also publicly recanted his 1991 endorsement of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and voiced support for expanding the high court to 13 justices.

Key facts

  • Rep. Jim Clyburn stated on NBC's 'Meet the Press' that Democrats' priority upon taking the House should be affordability in healthcare, housing, energy, and education rather than impeaching President Donald Trump.[NBC News]
  • Clyburn declined to definitively rule impeachment in or out, a stance similar to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' recent comments.[NBC News]
  • Clyburn called his 1991 testimony supporting Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' confirmation a mistake.[NBC News]
  • Clyburn endorsed expanding the Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices, aligning with a proposal from former Vice President Kamala Harris.[NBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain whether House Democratic leadership will pursue formal impeachment proceedings against President Trump if they regain the House majority in upcoming midterm elections.[NBC News]

Sources