What is the 25th Amendment? Why does Pritzker wants trump removed?

The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has made headlines recently after calls from political leaders to invoke it against President Donald Trump following controversial remarks about using cities like Chicago as military “training grounds.” But what exactly is the 25th Amendment, and how does it function in practice?

Adopted in 1967, the amendment was designed to clarify presidential succession and procedures for dealing with presidential disability, ensuring the continuity of government in the event a president cannot fulfill their duties.

What is the 25th Amendment?

The 25th Amendment is divided into four sections and primarily deals with:

1. Presidential succession: If a president dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the Vice President becomes President.
2. Filling a vacancy in the vice presidency: The President nominates a new vice president, who must be confirmed by both houses of Congress.
3. Presidential inability: If the President is unable to perform duties due to illness or incapacity, the Vice President can serve as Acting President temporarily.
4. Determination of presidential incapacity: The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can declare a President unfit, transferring power to the Vice President until the President is able to resume duties.

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Recent Context: Calls to Invoke the 25th Amendment

Chicago Governor JB Pritzker recently suggested invoking the 25th Amendment after President Trump proposed using American cities as “training grounds for the military.” Pritzker claimed there was “something genuinely wrong” with the president and expressed concern over his mental health.

While calls for invoking the amendment are rare, they have precedent: after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Senator Chuck Schumer urged its use against Trump, arguing that the President posed a threat to national security.

What Happens if the 25th Amendment is Invoked?

If invoked, the process could play out as follows:

1. Vice President becomes Acting President: In the current scenario, Vice President JD Vance would assume the role temporarily.
2. Congressional approval: If the President contests the declaration of incapacity, Congress must vote within 21 days. A two-thirds majority in both houses is required to keep the Vice President in power.
3. Return to office: If the President recovers or Congress rejects the incapacity claim, the President resumes duties.

This mechanism ensures that the U.S. government continues to function smoothly even if the President cannot perform essential duties.

Why the 25th Amendment Matters

• It protects national security by providing a clear chain of command.
• It prevents power vacuums during crises.
• It balances executive authority with congressional oversight, maintaining democratic governance.

The 25th Amendment remains a cornerstone of U.S. constitutional law, ensuring stability in times of presidential incapacity or controversy.

FAQ

Q1: What is the 25th Amendment?

A1: The 25th Amendment clarifies presidential succession and disability, allowing the Vice President to assume presidential duties if the President cannot perform them.

Q2: When was the 25th Amendment adopted?

A2: It was ratified in 1967 following concerns about presidential succession after assassination threats and health issues.

Q3: Who can invoke the 25th Amendment?

A3: The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can declare a President unable to discharge duties, temporarily transferring power.

Q4: What happens if the President contests the 25th Amendment?

A4: Congress must vote within 21 days, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses to uphold the Vice President as Acting President.

Q5: Has the 25th Amendment ever been used?

A5: Yes, it has been used for temporary transfers of power, such as when Presidents undergo surgery requiring anesthesia, but not yet to forcibly remove a President from office.

Q6: Who becomes President if the 25th Amendment is invoked?

A6: The Vice President becomes Acting President until the President resumes duties or Congress confirms incapacity.

Q7: Why is the 25th Amendment important?

A7: It ensures continuity of government, protects national security, and provides a legal framework for presidential incapacity or removal.

Q8: Can the 25th Amendment remove a President permanently?

A8: Only if Congress approves a declaration of incapacity by a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Otherwise, it is temporary.

Q9: How did recent political events bring attention to the 25th Amendment?

A9: Governor JB Pritzker and other leaders suggested invoking it after President Trump made controversial statements about using U.S. cities as military “training grounds.”

Q10: Does the 25th Amendment address vice presidential vacancies?

A10: Yes, it allows the President to nominate a new Vice President, who must be confirmed by both houses of Congress.