Chicago Governor Calls for 25th Amendment to Oust Trump
Share
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office, following Trump’s remark that cities like Chicago should be used as military “training grounds.” Pritzker criticized the statements as evidence of something “genuinely wrong” with Trump’s judgment and mental health, comparing the approach to tactics used by authoritarian regimes.
What Is the 25th Amendment?
The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution deals with presidential succession and the handling of presidential disability or incapacity. Its core provisions include:
- If the President dies, resigns, or is removed (e.g. via impeachment), the Vice President becomes President.
- It also provides a mechanism for transferring power if the President is unable to discharge the duties of the office.
- The Amendment lays out procedures for filling a vacant vice presidency and for resolving disputes over a President’s capacity.
What Happens If It Is Invoked?
If the 25th Amendment were to be invoked against Trump:
- Vice President J.D. Vance would become the Acting President.
- The transfer could be temporary or permanent, depending on whether Trump is deemed incapacitated or unable to resume duties.
- A formal process involves notification, assessments by cabinet members and possibly Congress, and procedures for contesting the determination.
While calls to invoke the 25th Amendment are rare and constitutionally heavy, Pritzker’s public appeal underscores the gravity of current political tensions, especially around questions of presidential authority and accountability.
