By Taylor Perez
With just under two weeks left in his presidency, the 25th Amendment is being discussed by some high-level ranking Democrats to remove President Trump from office. This is not the first time this topic has been brought to light; it was previously discussed when President Trump contracted COVID-19. However, this time is much different.
Just six days into the new year history was made in the United States of America, yet again. What started as a peaceful protest at the U.S. Capitol, turned into a scene of complete chaos. Civilians stormed the Capitol for the first time since the War of 1812. The crowd was able to breach the Senate Chamber, while others stood just outside the doors of the House Chamber, desperate to get inside.
During the chaos, President-Elect Joe Biden spoke on live television, addressing the nation as well as President Trump. Biden urged the president to “demand an end to this siege.” Shortly after Biden’s address to the nation, President Trump released a video on Twitter in which he tells his supporters, “you have to go home now, we have to have peace.” The video was shortly flagged by Twitter for false information as Trump claimed the election was stolen and fraudulent. Following the removal of the video, Trump faced temporary suspensions on Twitter and possible indefinite bans on Facebook and Instagram.
These events are what brought on a discussion of invoking the 25th Amendment. The 25th Amendment states that the vice president would become the acting president, as the president is unable to carry out his/her duties. This Amendment has been used before, mainly in cases of medical emergencies and death.
Vice President Mike Pence can invoke the 25th amendment, however, he would need approval from the majority of the Cabinet to proceed with Trump’s removal from power.
