Jan 6, 2026 - Politics & Policy

Trump fears impeachment will follow if GOP loses in midterms

April Rubin

Trump speaks at a lectern with arms outstretched — President Trump addresses a House Republican retreat at the Kennedy Center on Jan. 6 in Washington, DC. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

President Trump told House Republicans on Tuesday that he fears impeachment if the GOP doesn't retain its majority in this year's midterm elections.

Why it matters: Trump is the only president in U.S. history to be impeached twice, and the president's party almost always loses seats in midterm elections.

Driving the news: "You've got to win the midterms," he said to an audience of House Republicans during their member retreat. "Because if we don't win the midterms, it's just going to be, I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me."

Trump said his first term impeachments were "for nothing."

State of play: His remarks come on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and days after the Trump administration's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday.

The speech was at the Kennedy Center, which Trump renamed to include his name after handpicking a new board.

Flashback: Trump was impeached in 2019 over abuse of power and obstruction of justice allegations related to his conduct with Ukraine. He was impeached in 2021 for claims he incited the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Both of Trump's impeachments resulted in Senate acquittal.

What we're watching: Economic pessimism could prove to be an early indicator of trouble for Republicans in the midterms.

Go deeper: House Republicans move to override Trump vetoes in rare show of defiance

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Trump fears impeachment will follow if GOP loses in midterms

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