Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seeks to provoke Trump ahead of US midterms, analyst says

US President Donald Trump suggested during an interview that he might pursue criminal investigations or release damaging information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden if Democrats decide to impeach him for a third time. This possibility emerged as Democrats aim to retake control of Congress in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

Trump claimed he had previously declined to take action against his political opponents, but indicated he could reconsider if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives. He stated he could "do numbers" on Clinton, Obama, and Biden, referring to potential criminal investigations or damage to their reputations. Trump noted he was discussing taking "big numbers" if he wanted to.

The administration reportedly holds potentially damaging information about Clinton, Obama, and Biden, though no specifics were provided. When asked if he intended to act on this information, Trump appeared to leave the door open, saying "probably not" but adding that if they impeach him again, "things could get ugly."

This stance followed Trump's previous remarks at an Oval Office event on October 7, where he said he had refrained from pursuing political opponents out of respect for the presidency. Democrats, meanwhile, are weighing impeachment as they seek to regain the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. While House Democratic leaders have not committed to pursuing impeachment, Trump questioned what grounds Democrats could use for another impeachment effort, suggesting they could only impeach him for strong governance.

He also argued that his previous impeachment proceedings had not damaged his standing with supporters, even suggesting the anti-impeachment movement could benefit Republicans politically.