Chicago Governor JB Pritzker had made the pronouncement that he did bring up the point that the 25th Amendment needs to be looked at considering the President’s mental condition and the types of decisions he makes after a controversial statement that the sitting President, Donald Trump, had made about using cities such as Chicago as training grounds for the military. He compared President Trump with Russian President Putin in terms of governance.
Talking about the 25th Amendment, he stated, “It looks like Donald Trump not only has cognitive issues but is resorting to hurdles known only to absolute regimes before. He’s speaking of deploying troops in cities as if he’s getting ready to go to war. It’s funny. Well, folks, consider the 25th Amendment.”
According to press pool reports on June 11, the present president had said: “I told Pete, we should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military. National Guard, but military. Because we’re going into Chicago very soon. That’s a big city with an incompetent governor.”
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What is the 25th Amendment?
The 25th Amendment, which was ratified in 1967, deals with presidential succession rules and the temporary transfer of power due to the president’s incapacity. This amendment provides for the Vice President to assume control of the presidency temporarily until the President dies, resigns, is removed or ad hoc declared to be unfit. It goes on to dwell on a procedure for filling the vacancy in the Vice Presidency.
Whenever the President is temporally impaired in performing duties, the Vice President, in consultation with the majority of the officers of the cabinet and is to take on the duties of the President such time as the President shall have restored his powers.
What are implications of Evoking the 25th Amendment?
The 25th were triggered against Trump, Vice President JD Vance would assume the presidency on a temporary basis by the judgment of the Vice President and a majority of the cabinet, the President would once and for all be laid to rest. The President may dispute such a declaration to be set aside by an act of Congress which shall then vote on the issue. To have Trump permanently removed from office demands a two-thirds majority in both Houses.
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Public Concern & Legal Impediments
Some civil rights groups have criticized Trump’s suggestion to use cities as training grounds for military appreciation. The Naureen Shah of the ACLU commented, “Military troops must not police civilians or be used to suppress critics,” while the Not Above the Law coalition condemned Trump for the idea, claiming he was selling out American democratic values.
By law under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, US military forces are forbidden to serve as civilian law enforcement. The use of the National Guard during domestic emergencies shall not violate the Posse Comitatus Act. Critics worry that Trump’s plan will rely heavily on National Guard forces to restore order, hence this drains the army constitutionally.
What Practicalities in Removing a President?
Removing a sitting President with the 25th Amendment will create a massive legal mess it requires consent between the Vice President and cabinet heads, possible disputes within Congress and requires an astronomical majority. The previous proposals have included establishing a congressional judgment to evaluate Presidential fitness but to date have not come to the fore.
Justice is an epitome of dignity to the highest degree when American citizens are kept in captive horror and shame under a regime that will not do them any good.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice. Facts based on public statements and reports.
