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Democrats Demand Removal
Trump's escalating threats against Iran triggered a historic surge of demands from Democrats to remove him from office.
“By the dozens, Democrats came out to say that Trump should no longer serve in the White House, either through the impeachment process or the 25th Amendment”
More than 70 congressional Democrats called for Trump to be ousted either through impeachment or the 25th Amendment.
Rep. John Larson filed articles of impeachment, citing Trump's serial usurpation of the congressional war power and commission of murder, war crimes and piracy.
The White House dismissed the calls as pathetic and deranged.
The breadth of the Democratic pushback underscored the gravity of Trump's apocalyptic threat to a country of more than 91 million people.
Trump eventually agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran.
Republican Response
Republicans in Congress remained mostly silent in the immediate aftermath of Trump's threat.
Rep. Nathaniel Moran said he did not support the destruction of a whole civilization.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Trump's threat cannot be excused away as an attempt to gain leverage.
Rep. Kevin Kiley also weighed in against the escalation.
The lack of condemnation from most congressional Republicans stood in stark contrast to the dozens of Democrats who called for Trump to be removed.
Constituent Pressure
Congressional offices were bombarded with phone calls and emails from people alarmed by the president's rhetoric.
“Congressional offices were bombarded with phone calls and emails this week, largely from people alarmed by the president's rhetoric”
Rep. Suzan DelBene's office received a ton of calls and emails mostly about Iran and impeaching Trump.
Rep. Maxine Dexter said her office received more calls on Tuesday than ever before.
The groundswell appeared to be organic rather than an orchestrated campaign.
Democrats framed the moment as a moral test for the President's party.
War Powers and Oversight
Democratic leaders pushed Republicans to pass legislation forcing Trump to get congressional approval before more attacks on Iran.
The House was not scheduled to return until April 14.
The Trump administration faced mounting calls to testify about the war.
Clean Clothes Campaign spokesperson said the audit system was fundamentally broken.