Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, told TIME that Trump’s conduct had become too dangerous to ignore, arguing that Congress must confront an administration whose military policies have intensified international instability and raised serious questions about presidential accountability.

“Trump has become beyond dangerous. He is just completely out of control in what he says and how he is governing,” Smith said. “I think we have to try, even if it doesn’t succeed.”

Smith’s position comes amid mounting concerns over the Trump administration’s foreign policy, including its military confrontation with Iran, its shifting approach to the Ukraine conflict and its expanding military operations in Latin America. If Democrats regain control of the House, Smith could become chairman of the Armed Services Committee and lead investigations into the Pentagon’s conduct and the consequences of the administration’s military decisions.

He cited Trump’s increasingly accommodating position toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and his decision to restrict support for Ukraine as evidence of the administration’s unpredictable foreign policy.

“The Ukraine stuff definitely had a profound impact,” Smith said. “When I saw how close he was getting to Putin and shutting off support for Ukraine, being more pro-Putin. I mean, that’s a big part of it.”

He also criticized Trump’s increasingly erratic public statements, including his remarks about rising gasoline prices amid the war in the Middle East, as the consequences of the administration’s military policies continue to generate political and economic concerns.

Growing divisions over Trump’s accountability

Despite mounting criticism, Democrats remain divided over whether another impeachment effort would effectively constrain Trump or give him another opportunity to mobilize his political supporters.

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said Trump had committed multiple potentially impeachable offenses, including what he described as unconstitutional military actions and abuses of congressional spending authority.

“The question of whether he committed impeachable offenses and whether we are going to pursue impeachment are two different issues,” Raskin told TIME.

Trump has already been impeached twice, in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine and in 2021 over his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Both proceedings ended in Senate acquittals, allowing him to avoid removal despite the seriousness of the allegations.

Sen. Adam Schiff of California also argued that Trump’s conduct could warrant impeachment but said Democrats should initially investigate alleged corruption and policies that have increased financial pressure on American households.

“There’s no question he’s been engaging in conduct that is very likely impeachable,” Schiff said. “The question is, is it viable?”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has similarly avoided committing to impeachment, reflecting the reluctance of parts of the Democratic leadership to launch an immediate confrontation with the president.

Hegseth faces scrutiny over war with Iran

Meanwhile, War Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing growing criticism over his handling of the war against Iran, the removal of senior military officers and the Pentagon’s failure to provide adequate information about the conflict’s objectives, costs and duration.

The administration’s military decisions, including defense spending controversies, threats against NATO and possible troop withdrawals from Europe, have further intensified scrutiny of the Pentagon’s leadership.

Smith argued that Hegseth could be a more politically vulnerable impeachment target because some Republicans might be prepared to challenge the war secretary even if they continue protecting Trump.

“There are Republicans who would support impeaching Hegseth who might not support doing it to Trump,” Smith said.

Trump has nevertheless stood by Hegseth, calling him a “great warrior” and dismissing efforts to remove him.

Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said congressional investigations must examine the Pentagon’s conduct, the removal of senior military officers, alleged misuse of defense funds and the administration’s handling of the war.

“Impeachment is only one tool that Congress has,” Crow said.

He added that lawmakers must consider every available measure to restrain what he described as a reckless administration and protect the country from Trump’s increasingly dangerous conduct.

“Maybe impeachment is part of that. I wouldn’t hesitate to use that if that’s the right one.”