Full Breakdown
Clyburn Says Impeachment Should Not Top Democratic Agenda and Calls for a 13-Justice Supreme Court
8/31/2026, 2:55:13 AM
Meet the Press Interview Highlights Clyburn’s Policy Priorities
On a recent episode of *Meet the Press*, moderator Kristen Welker interviewed Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Representative Jim Clyburn (D-South Carolina). He added that impeaching former President Donald Trump “will not do that,” and that impeachment should not be the party’s first focus.
He then endorsed a proposal to expand the Supreme Court from nine to thirteen justices, describing a “baker’s dozen” as “a pretty good number” for the nation’s highest court.
Background on Clyburn’s Legislative Focus
Clyburn, a 17-term congressman, has long championed voting-rights legislation, most recently re-introducing the Voter Empowerment Act in March 2026. His comments on impeachment and court expansion come amid ongoing Democratic debates about how to balance accountability measures with policy priorities after the 2026 midterm elections.
Data on Impeachment History and Supreme Court Size
- The House impeached former President Trump twice during his first term; the Senate did not convict on either occasion.
- The Supreme Court currently consists of nine justices, a composition unchanged since 1869.
Official Statements & Responses
Clyburn’s remarks emphasized a shift from impeachment toward “affordable” policies on housing, education, energy, and health care. He framed the Supreme Court expansion as a “significant action” the Congress could take, arguing that a larger bench would better uphold the nation’s constitutional foundations.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, when asked a similar question, said Democrats have not ruled impeachment in or out and that any decision would rest with the committees that would oversee the process if Democrats retake the House.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Clyburn’s call for a 13-justice Supreme Court remains a public proposal; no legislative measure has been introduced. The Democratic caucus has not announced a formal agenda for impeachment or court reform pending the outcome of the upcoming House elections.
