California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters called Friday for the 25th Amendment to be invoked against President Donald Trump, citing concerns about his fitness for office following the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
Waters made the remarks on MSNBC’s “The Weeknight,” where she called the president’s actions dangerous and unconstitutional.
Newsweek contacted the White House by email Saturday evening for comment.
Why It Matters
Waters’s appeal to the 25th Amendment marks a significant escalation in Democratic criticism of Trump’s handling of the Federal Reserve and his broader approach to executive power. The dismissal of Koch, the current Fed governor, has sparked lawsuits and increased scrutiny of Trump’s influence on US monetary policy.
What Is the 25th Amendment?
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes procedures for the transfer of presidential power when a president is unable to perform his or her duties. Ratified in 1967, it was designed to address succession issues and clarify the terms of succession in the event of the death, resignation, or removal of a president.
The amendment specifies that upon the death, resignation, or removal of the president, the vice president shall immediately assume the presidency. It also allows for the nomination and confirmation of a new vice president in the event of a vacancy.
The amendment notably provides procedures for the temporary transfer of power if the president voluntarily declares himself or herself unable to perform his or her duties, for example, during a medical procedure. In more serious cases, the amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president incapacitated, resulting in a change of power. If the president challenges this decision, Congress must decide the matter, requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both houses to preserve the vice president’s authority.
Although parts of the amendment have been used in limited circumstances, the provision authorizing involuntary removal has never been invoked. It remains a constitutional safeguard in times of crisis or instability at the highest levels of government.
The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines the process for transferring presidential power when the president is unable to perform the duties of the office. Ratified in 1967, it was designed to address gaps in succession and clarify what happens in cases of death, resignation, or incapacity.
The amendment clarifies that if a president dies, resigns, or is removed, the vice president immediately assumes the presidency. It also allows for a new vice president to be nominated and confirmed if that office becomes vacant.
Notably, the amendment provides a process for temporarily transferring power if a president voluntarily declares they’re unable to serve—such as during a medical procedure. In more serious cases, it allows the vice president and a majority of Cabinet officials to declare the president unfit, triggering a shift in authority. If the president contests that decision, Congress must resolve the dispute, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers to maintain the vice president’s authority.