Colorado Democrat Discusses New Push for Trump Impeachment

By 
, January 16, 2026

Could the specter of impeachment haunt President Donald Trump once more?

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Colorado, revealed during a telephone town hall on Wednesday that her party is laying the groundwork for another attempt to impeach Trump.

Nearly 8,000 Coloradans joined the call, where Pettersen discussed ongoing tensions with the Trump administration. Her comments follow a failed impeachment vote in the House of Representatives last month, tied to serious allegations against the president.

Pettersen’s Latest Statements on Impeachment

The issue has sparked renewed debate among political observers and constituents alike. While Pettersen acknowledged the steep uphill battle, her determination to push forward raises questions about the strategy and timing of such a move.

During the town hall, Pettersen didn’t shy away from her stance, stating, “ultimately move forward to impeach Trump," Breibart reported. That phrase, though brief, signals a persistent effort by some Democrats to challenge the president’s actions. But with a recent failed vote, is this more about political theater than practical outcomes?

Last month, Pettersen supported a resolution to impeach Trump after accusations surfaced about inflammatory rhetoric, including a claim he called for severe penalties against lawmakers. That motion, introduced by Rep. Al Green of Texas, didn’t gain traction. In a telling blow, 23 Democrats joined Republicans to reject the effort.

Failed Votes and Persistent Efforts

Pettersen also referenced voting to advance impeachment articles tied to alleged threats against federal judges and extreme statements toward Congress members. The vote crumbled, leaving Democrats to regroup. She admitted the odds are slim, yet insisted the party is diligently building a case.

On the call, she framed her opposition to Trump’s policies as a defense of her state, saying, “As Trump escalates attacks on Colorado and unlawfully withholds critical funding, sends ICE into our state to terrorize communities, and threatens our NATO allies abroad — I want people to know that we are here to support them in every way we can and they are not alone.” While her intent to protect constituents is clear, the characterization of federal immigration enforcement as terrorizing seems designed to inflame rather than inform. Shouldn’t policy disagreements focus on solutions, not loaded language?

Pettersen’s critique of Trump’s actions on immigration enforcement and funding decisions isn’t new, but it’s worth examining the context. Federal policies on border security and resource allocation often clash with state-level priorities, especially in Democrat-led areas. Her rhetoric, though, risks overshadowing legitimate debate with emotional appeals.

Immigration Enforcement Sparks Controversy

The mention of ICE operations in Colorado as a point of contention highlights a broader national divide on immigration policy. While some see these actions as necessary for law enforcement, others view them as heavy-handed disruptions to communities. Pettersen’s framing clearly leans toward the latter, but it sidesteps the legal basis for federal authority in these matters.

Turning to the impeachment saga, the failed December resolution Pettersen backed was rooted in Trump’s accusation of sedition against certain lawmakers—a charge carrying grave implications. Yet, the lack of bipartisan support for impeachment suggests many in Congress see these disputes as political, not legal, battles. Are Democrats risking credibility by pressing an issue that’s already faltered?

Pettersen’s work with the House Oversight Committee to bolster their case against Trump shows a calculated, if long-shot, approach. Building capacity for such a fight might energize her base, but it could also deepen partisan gridlock. Is this the best use of legislative energy when other pressing issues loom?

Partisan Gridlock or Principled Stand?

The reality is that impeachment, as Pettersen herself noted, remains a distant prospect. With a divided House and a recent rejection of similar efforts, the path forward looks more like a symbolic gesture than a viable strategy. Still, her persistence might resonate with constituents frustrated by Trump’s policies.

Critics of this renewed push might argue it distracts from addressing tangible policy challenges like immigration reform or federal funding disputes. If Democrats are serious about countering Trump, shouldn’t they prioritize winnable battles over revisiting a losing cause? The optics of rehashing impeachment could backfire.

On the flip side, supporters of Pettersen’s stance might see it as a necessary stand against perceived overreach by the administration. Holding a president accountable, even symbolically, can set a precedent. Yet, without broader support, it’s hard to see this as more than a rallying cry for the already convinced.

Ultimately, Pettersen’s comments during the town hall reveal a party still wrestling with how to oppose Trump effectively. While her resolve is evident, the repeated setbacks on impeachment suggest a need for fresh tactics. Will Democrats pivot, or double down on a fight that’s yet to yield results?

" A free people [claim] their rights, as derived from the laws of nature."
Thomas Jefferson