U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar announced plans on Monday to introduce articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi, the latest in a string of impeachment efforts that have gone nowhere and come as he seeks reelection.
The Detroit Democrat accused Bondi of conspiring to cover up the release of files tied to Jeffrey Epstein, defying a congressional mandate to release those records, abusing her authority to pressure Minnesota for voter registration rolls and other sensitive data, and “weaponizing” the Justice Department to target political opponents of President Donald Trump.
“The Department of Justice’s role is to uphold the rule of law impartially and protect the American people, but time and time again, Attorney General Pam Bondi has placed her loyalty to President Trump over her constitutional duty,” Thanedar — who represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver and the Grosse Pointes — said in a statement. “From illegally withholding the Epstein files past the required deadline, to trying to coerce Minnesota into turning over its state voter files, to weaponizing the Department of Justice against Donald Trump’s political opponents, she has disgraced the office she holds. Congress must use every tool of accountability to uphold our oath to defend the Constitution.”
The announcement follows two recent impeachment pushes by Thanedar that failed to gain traction.
In December, Thanedar filed articles of impeachment against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accusing Hegseth of issuing unlawful military orders and mishandling classified information. No vote has been taken.
In April, Thanedar introduced seven articles of impeachment against Trump, alleging corruption, obstruction of justice, and other misconduct. Democratic leadership discouraged the effort, and Thanedar ultimately backed away from forcing a vote on the House floor.
House Democratic leaders have made clear that impeachment efforts against members of the Trump administration are effectively dead on arrival in a Republican-controlled chamber. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Republicans would not allow articles of impeachment to be brought to the floor.
Thanedar is also running for reelection this year in a district that has remained safely Democratic. Thanedar will face four other Democrats in the August primary, including progressive state Rep. Donavan McKinney.
Thanedar’s latest impeachment push targets an attorney general with a polarizing record. Bondi has repeatedly drawn criticism for spreading false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Government watchdog groups and Democratic lawmakers have also questioned her political independence because of her long-standing ties to Trump and her role as a campaign surrogate and fundraiser.
Critics have also argued that Bondi is using her position to go after Trump critics.
Bondi has not yet publicly responded to Thanedar’s impeachment announcement.