House Democrats proposed legislation Tuesday to establish a commission that would perform with JD Vance to potentially remove Donald Trump from office under the 25th Amendment.
The measure, introduced by Jamie Raskin, follows statements made by Trump, including a warning that Iran’s “whole civilization will die” if it did not meet his demands, and a social media post depicting him as Jesus Christ.
Democratic lawmakers and opponents, including former CIA Director John Brennan, argue the 79-year-old president is no longer competent to lead the country and that Vice President Vance should work with Trump’s cabinet to remove him from office.
Raskin stated that “public trust in Donald Trump’s ability to meet the duties of his office has dropped to unprecedented lows” due to threats to destroy civilizations, actions in the Middle East, insults towards the Pope, and online depictions of himself as Jesus Christ.
Raskin continued, stating, “We are at a dangerous precipice, and We see now a matter of national security for Congress to fulfill its responsibilities under the 25th Amendment to protect the American people from an increasingly volatile and unstable situation.”
Fifty other Democratic House lawmakers have co-sponsored the bill, though it faces challenges in the Republican-controlled chamber. While some Republicans have opposed Trump’s policies, none have publicly expressed concerns about his fitness for office.
The proposed commission would be composed of four retired executive branch office holders chosen by congressional leaders, potentially including former presidents, vice-presidents, surgeon generals, and cabinet secretaries.
Congress would also select four physicians and four psychiatrists to serve on the commission, who would then choose a 17th member to chair the body. No members could be current government employees or elected officials.
Raskin noted that a similar body “should have been set up by Congress when the 25th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1967.”
In 2024, Joe Biden faced similar calls for his removal following a debate performance that led to his withdrawal from the presidential race. House Republicans filed resolutions calling for then-Vice President Kamala Harris to convene the cabinet, but none were voted on. Trump ultimately defeated Harris in that election.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 25th Amendment?
The 25th Amendment sets out how a vice-president can take over from a president who dies or resigns, and outlines the process by which the vice-president and a majority of the cabinet can remove the president from office if they determine the president is “unable to discharge the powers and duties” of the office.
Who introduced the measure to create a commission?
The measure was introduced by Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee.
What prompted this proposal?
The proposal follows a series of statements from Donald Trump, including a warning that Iran’s “whole civilization will die” and a social media post depicting him as Jesus Christ.
As this situation develops, will Congress be able to reach a consensus on the best path forward for the nation?
