Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar is facing a wave of racist abuse from Donald Trump’s supporters after introducing articles of impeachment against the US president. The Democrat, who emigrated from India and represents a majority-Black district in Detroit, said the attacks have become deeply personal.
“They talk about my hair, they talk about my appearance… they talk about my age. They talk about why I should be deported,” Thanedar said during a recent press conference.
Thanedar’s resolution accuses Trump of multiple constitutional violations, from bribery and corruption to undermining the powers of Congress. But the effort, which has little support from within his own party, has instead made him a target of right-wing fury online. On X, formerly Twitter, pro-Trump users reacted with open xenophobia.
“Fraudster—don’t need more corrupt politicians—send him back to India,” one user wrote. Another said, “Bravo!! Give this man a managerial position at 7/11 ASAP!” Others demanded his deportation, with one post reading, “All foreigners in Congress need to be removed immediately. They have no true American heart.”
Thanedar, who first won election in 2022, represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. A former chemical entrepreneur, he’s poured millions of his own money into his campaigns and is no stranger to controversy. His victory came at the cost of Detroit’s long-standing Black representation in Congress, and now he’s facing multiple primary challengers in 2026, including state Rep. Donovan McKinney and former state Sen. Adam Hollier, both backed by prominent local leaders and progressive groups.
Thanedar's impeachment push, doomed from the start in the current Republican-controlled House, may be a strategic move to energise his base amid a challenging re-election fight. His district, which includes parts of Detroit and Dearborn, is politically sensitive, particularly given his vocal support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, a stance that has alienated many Arab American constituents.
Still, Thanedar insists the impeachment is not a stunt. “I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. So did Mr. Trump. He has violated his oath,” he said. “It’s time for someone to stand up and say that—and if that’s just me, then so be it.”
“They talk about my hair, they talk about my appearance… they talk about my age. They talk about why I should be deported,” Thanedar said during a recent press conference.
Rep. Shri Thanedar complains about Republicans mocking him online.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 14, 2025
“They talk about my hair. They talk about my appearance. They talk about where I was born.”
pic.twitter.com/UtUtBVybDH
Thanedar’s resolution accuses Trump of multiple constitutional violations, from bribery and corruption to undermining the powers of Congress. But the effort, which has little support from within his own party, has instead made him a target of right-wing fury online. On X, formerly Twitter, pro-Trump users reacted with open xenophobia.
“Fraudster—don’t need more corrupt politicians—send him back to India,” one user wrote. Another said, “Bravo!! Give this man a managerial position at 7/11 ASAP!” Others demanded his deportation, with one post reading, “All foreigners in Congress need to be removed immediately. They have no true American heart.”
Thanedar, who first won election in 2022, represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. A former chemical entrepreneur, he’s poured millions of his own money into his campaigns and is no stranger to controversy. His victory came at the cost of Detroit’s long-standing Black representation in Congress, and now he’s facing multiple primary challengers in 2026, including state Rep. Donovan McKinney and former state Sen. Adam Hollier, both backed by prominent local leaders and progressive groups.
Thanedar's impeachment push, doomed from the start in the current Republican-controlled House, may be a strategic move to energise his base amid a challenging re-election fight. His district, which includes parts of Detroit and Dearborn, is politically sensitive, particularly given his vocal support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, a stance that has alienated many Arab American constituents.
Still, Thanedar insists the impeachment is not a stunt. “I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. So did Mr. Trump. He has violated his oath,” he said. “It’s time for someone to stand up and say that—and if that’s just me, then so be it.”
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