Imagine a world where tariffs, not people, face impeachment—welcome to the latest brainstorm from a California Democrat.
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California appeared on CNN on Thursday to voice sharp criticism of President Donald Trump’s economic policies, specifically targeting recent tariffs. Swalwell called for impeaching these trade measures, framing them as a failure to deliver on Trump’s promise to lower costs for Americans. This comes after Trump announced on Saturday a 10% tariff on several European countries following their opposition to his proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
Swalwell, who is also running for governor of California, has a history of advocating for accountability within the Trump administration, previously suggesting impeachment for Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of certain legal files. Additionally, he has pledged tough measures against federal immigration enforcement employees if elected, including denying them state driver’s licenses and barring prior employment with immigration agencies from qualifying for state jobs. His past, however, includes controversy, with allegations of misconduct tied to a reported connection with an individual linked to foreign intelligence.
According to the Daily Caller, the issue has ignited discussion across political lines, with many questioning whether impeaching a policy, rather than a person, even fits within constitutional bounds.
During the CNN interview, host Kacie Hunt pressed Swalwell on his stance, asking, “What has the president done so far that you think is an impeachable offense?” Swalwell’s response sidestepped traditional grounds for impeachment, focusing instead on economic grievances.
“Well, let me just say this. I think we should impeach the tariffs,” Swalwell declared. Impeaching a tariff is a window into a deeper frustration with trade policies that many Americans feel are hiking up everyday costs.
Swalwell also doubled down on the affordability crisis. “The president said he was going to lower costs on day one. He’s zero for 370, and we have to, as Democrats, make sure the country understands that this guy costs too much,” he added.
Here’s the rub—while Swalwell’s rhetoric paints Trump as the sole driver of high prices, tariffs are just one piece of a complex economic puzzle. Global supply chains, inflation, and post-pandemic recovery play roles too.
Still, the sentiment resonates with families struggling at the checkout line. The question is whether symbolic gestures like “impeaching tariffs” offer real solutions or just make for catchy soundbites.
Beyond economics, Swalwell’s comments veered into immigration enforcement, an area where his proposed policies as a gubernatorial candidate raise eyebrows. He’s floated punitive steps against federal agents involved in immigration enforcement.
His past also lingers in the background—allegations of ties to foreign intelligence, though denied, led to his removal from the House Intelligence Committee in 2023 by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Yet, Swalwell remains undeterred, using platforms like CNN to push his narrative against Trump’s administration. His focus on tariffs might be unconventional, but it taps into a broader discontent with economic stagnation.
For supporters of Trump’s agenda, these tariffs are a negotiating tool, a way to assert American interests against foreign opposition, as seen in the Greenland proposal fallout.
At the same time, Swalwell’s critique isn’t without merit—costs are up, and promises of immediate relief haven’t materialized for many. The challenge lies in cutting through the political theater to address root causes without resorting to gimmicks.
Ultimately, this tariff impeachment idea might fade as quickly as it emerged, but it underscores a real divide on how to tackle affordability. Whether through trade policy adjustments or broader economic reforms, Americans deserve more than slogans—they need results.
