US2 min(s) read
Published 13:29 07 Apr 2026 GMT
Never-before-used rule that would see Trump removed as president
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Donald Trump has come under fresh scrutiny over his fitness to lead after posting a heated message about the conflict with Iran, drawing criticism from Democrats and even some fellow Republicans.
In recent days, Trump has been urging US allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed. However, leaders including Keir Starmer, have made clear they will not send warships, instead focusing on diplomatic efforts, an approach Trump and his supporters have strongly criticized.
Trump's recent updates on Iran and the Twenty-fifth Amendment
On Easter Sunday, Trump escalated tensions further with a post suggesting new strikes were imminent, saying Tuesday would be “power plant day, and bridge day,” implying attacks on critical Iranian infrastructure.
He then added: “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**kin’ Strait, you crazy b**tards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
The remarks prompted some politicians to suggest invoking the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, a rarely used mechanism that allows a president to be removed from power under certain conditions.
The amendment is primarily designed to handle presidential succession and is divided into four sections. The first three outline scenarios where the vice president, currently JD Vance, would take over, such as if a president dies, resigns, or temporarily steps aside, as George W. Bush once did for medical procedures.
The fourth section is the most controversial. It allows the vice president and cabinet to declare that the president is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
If that happens, the president can contest the claim. Should he do so, the vice president has four days to reaffirm the decision, triggering a vote in Congress. A two-thirds majority would then be required to permanently remove the president.
What have political experts said?
Chris Murphy has been among the first to call for this step, reacting to Trump’s post by writing: “If I were in Trump's Cabinet, I would spend Easter calling constitutional lawyers about the 25th Amendment.
"This is completely, utterly unhinged. He's already killed thousands. He's going to kill thousands more.”
Even some of Trump’s allies have voiced concern. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the message, saying: “this is NOT what we promised the American people when they overwhelmingly voted in 2024.”
She added: “This is not making America great again, this is evil.”