A Maryland lawmaker has called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump following the recent operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Representative April McClain Delaney, a Democrat representing Western Maryland, made her stance clear on March 15, 2024, coinciding with Maduro’s appearance before a Manhattan judge.
In a statement to The Baltimore Sun, McClain Delaney criticized her Republican colleagues for allowing Trump to “defy the rule of law” and overstep congressional authority, which she argues undermines national security. “I cannot stand by as my Republican colleagues allow President Trump to defy the rule of law,” she stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
While many Democrats have expressed concerns about the operation, few have labeled it an impeachable offense. McClain Delaney’s call for impeachment aligns her with a more progressive faction within Congress. She urged her fellow Democrats to “seriously deliberate” on the issue, advocating for a reassertion of congressional authority rather than simply opposing the president.
In an interview with The Sun, McClain Delaney elaborated on her reasoning for the impeachment call. She cited the “cumulative effect” of Trump’s actions since taking office, which include dismantling government agencies without congressional approval and making inflammatory remarks about Democratic lawmakers. She pointed specifically to the operation that brought Maduro to the U.S. as crossing a significant line.
“The operation lacked congressional authorization and did not provide a clear rationale,” McClain Delaney noted. “It has implications for not just America, but for the entire hemisphere.” This perspective highlights her belief that the president’s actions warrant serious scrutiny.
The freshman lawmaker’s position is notable given her previous focus on moderate policies. Representing a swing district that includes parts of Frederick, Washington, and Montgomery counties, McClain Delaney has previously aimed to establish a centrist identity, often aligning with more conservative measures. For instance, she supported the Laken Riley Act, which aims to detain illegal immigrants who commit crimes for potential deportation.
Despite facing a primary challenge from former Congressman David Trone, who has accused her of being too aligned with the GOP, McClain Delaney insists her call for impeachment is not politically motivated. “This is just an evolution of my journey over the past eleven months,” she explained, responding to criticism about her commitment to the party’s values.
While she does not plan to file articles of impeachment herself at this time, McClain Delaney is keen to discuss the topic with her Democratic colleagues. She believes her voice carries weight due to her cautious approach, stating, “My voice has some credibility because I don’t just jump immediately.”
If impeachment articles were to be filed, it is unlikely they would gain traction in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Nevertheless, McClain Delaney feels it is crucial to raise the issue at this juncture. “If not now, when?” she asked, underscoring her urgency.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding McClain Delaney’s statements, leaving the political landscape surrounding this call for impeachment uncertain. As discussions continue among congressional Democrats, the implications of Trump’s actions and the potential for formal proceedings remain a topic of significant debate.
