Noting President Trump’s recent erratic public behavior, scores of legislators and political commentators have urged invoking the 25th Amendment to replace him with Vice President JD Vance. These individuals, largely Democrats, have questioned the president’s mental health, calling him “insane,” “deranged,” “unhinged,” and “batshit crazy,” among other terms. In response, the White House continues to defend Trump’s behavior as keeping his perceived opponents on edge.
Those calling for Trump’s removal under the 25th Amendment are misguided. Here’s why.
The 25th Amendment, which became law in 1967, is designed to ensure a prompt, orderly transfer of power if the president dies or becomes ill. Under the amendment’s terms, the vice president is indispensable in activating it, and involuntarily removing the president would need the support of a majority of the Cabinet and a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress.
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