Washington, D.C. – In a surprising political move, former President Donald Trump has called for modifications to the 25th Amendment, proposing changes that would make it possible to remove a sitting vice president. This comes as tensions between Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris continue to escalate amid the 2024 presidential race.
Alex Brandon/AP
During a recent campaign rally, Trump criticized Harris’ role in the Biden administration, questioning her leadership and decision-making abilities. “We need to make sure there’s a mechanism to hold the vice president accountable, just like we have for the president,” Trump said, according to CNN. His comments quickly drew attention from political analysts and constitutional scholars, many of whom expressed skepticism about such a change being implemented.
The 25th Amendment and Trump’s Proposal
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, provides procedures for replacing the president or vice president in the event of death, removal, resignation, or incapacitation. Trump’s proposed modification would focus on expanding these provisions to allow for the removal of a vice president, a scenario currently not outlined in the amendment.
Speaking to Reuters, constitutional law professor Laurence Tribe commented, “Modifying the 25th Amendment in such a way would be unprecedented and would face significant legal and political hurdles.”
Harris Responds
Vice President Kamala Harris has responded to Trump’s proposal, calling it “yet another desperate attempt to undermine democracy.” Speaking to NBC News, Harris said, “This is not about me or the role of vice president. This is about Donald Trump’s ongoing effort to rewrite the rules of our democracy to fit his personal agenda.”
Harris’ campaign team has also pushed back against the proposal, with a spokesperson telling The New York Times, “The vice president remains focused on the work ahead, and these distractions won’t deter her from her duties.”
Political Reactions
Trump’s suggestion has sparked debate across the political spectrum. Democratic lawmakers were quick to condemn the proposal, with Senator Elizabeth Warren telling The Washington Post, “This is another dangerous idea from Donald Trump, one that further undermines the very foundations of our democracy. The 25th Amendment was designed to protect the country, not to be used as a tool for political retribution.”
On the other hand, some Republican lawmakers have cautiously supported the idea, arguing that more checks on the vice president’s role could be beneficial. Senator Ted Cruz, speaking to Fox News, remarked, “There’s room for discussion here. The vice presidency has evolved, and perhaps it’s time to reconsider the checks and balances in our system.”
Legal and Constitutional Hurdles
Amending the 25th Amendment would require significant legal changes, including approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states. Constitutional experts have pointed out that such an amendment would face an uphill battle.
In an interview with The Associated Press, constitutional scholar Norman Ornstein remarked, “Even if Trump were to win re-election and push for this change, it’s highly unlikely to pass through the necessary legislative channels. The 25th Amendment is a key safeguard, and altering it in such a way would be seen as a drastic and politically motivated move.”
The 2024 Election Context
Trump’s proposal comes at a time when both he and Vice President Harris are central figures in the 2024 presidential race. Harris is serving as President Joe Biden’s running mate, while Trump is seeking a return to the White House. The former president’s comments are widely viewed as part of his broader strategy to undermine Harris’ credibility as a leader, especially as she continues to be a prominent figure in the Biden administration.
Conclusion
Trump’s call to modify the 25th Amendment adds another layer of intrigue to an already contentious election season. While the proposal is unlikely to gain traction, it has reignited debates about the role and accountability of the vice president. As the 2024 race heats up, both sides are expected to continue using this issue to rally their respective bases.
