California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters called Friday for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution against President Donald Trump, citing his unfitness for office, during a debate on the removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
“It’s time to invoke the 25th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America to determine his unfitness for office and to determine that something is wrong with this president,” Waters said during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weeknight.” “I suggest we take strong action to address the threat to this country and our democracy, and avoid manipulating it, because that is one of the most destructive things this president can do.” »
On Monday, Trump fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, accusing her of falsifying mortgage information.
Waters added: “This is disrupting the economy. It’s having a negative impact on Wall Street, on interest rates, and on the ability of the President of the United States to make decisions that benefit him personally.”
“And, so, the world, and certainly the United States, should be watching this very closely. As far as I’m concerned, we have to move very aggressively. It is not about lingering and trying to think that maybe the courts will help us.”
Cook sued Trump on Thursday, arguing that the president had not met the standard of a removal for cause and requesting a restraining order to allow her to remain with the Federal Reserve.
The case is likely headed to the Supreme Court and marks a major escalation in the growing clash between the White House and the Federal Reserve.
MSNBC host Symone Sanders-Townsend asked Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., for her take after Waters called for the 25th Amendment during the panel discussion.
“I think it’s jarring to hear Congresswoman Waters say it’s time for the 25th Amendment. But, I mean, presidents have been impeached for much less,” Sanders-Townsend said.
Wasserman Schultz argued that Trump wants to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
“Donald Trump is actually leaning toward firing Jerome Powell. But he knows that’s going too far,” Wasserman Schultz said.
“So he’s taking a hostile step, trying to interfere with the Federal Reserve by trying to fire Lisa Koch for something confirmed in today’s trial, which she didn’t even investigate. In fact, in the alleged fraud she’s accused of, she didn’t even receive preferential interest rates on the mortgages she took out, which proves she didn’t break the law. It’s ridiculous.”