Democrats Call to Invoke 25th Amendment Against Donald Trump

Several Democrats have called for President Donald Trump to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment over his Greenland actions.

Since assuming office, Trump has said that the U.S. needs to acquire Greenland for security reasons, sparking a backlash from Greenland and European leaders who have defended Greenland's rights to determine its own future as a self-governing territory. The U.S. has not ruled out using military force to take Greenland.

Writing on X, various Democratic politicians have questioned this policy after Trump ramped up tensions on Monday, and sent a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reiterating his desire to take Greenland.

Newsweek contacted the White House for comment via email on Monday.

President Donald Trump waves to the media as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Washington. | (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Why It Matters

Calls from Trump's political opponents to remove him from office are not surprising but they show an increased level of ill-will towards him. The key clause in the amendment—Section 4—allows the removal of a president against their will and has never been used before and so invoking it would be historically significant.

However, for it to go ahead, Trump's cabinet would have to support it, and no cabinet member has thus far indicated they want to remove Trump from office.

^{Read More}

Politics

Denmark Would Go To War With US Over Greenland: MP

Brett Kavanaugh Sits Out Supreme Court Case Tied to Russia

Gavin Newsom Slams ‘Pathetic’ US Allies Over Donald Trump

More Related Stories

How Does the 25th Amendment Work?

The amendment was made in 1967 to prepare for medical emergencies and crises that could stop a president from normal duties.

Section 1 allows power to be transferred to the vice president if the president is removed from office, resigns or dies.

Section 3 temporarily transfers power to the vice president until the president declares in writing that they can resume their duties. It has been used when past presidents have undergone medical procedures.

And under Section 4, the president can be removed involuntarily if the vice president and the majority of the Cabinet agree that they are unable to carry out their duties. If the president disputes this, both chambers vote on whether the president should return to office within 21 days. Such votes would require two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives.

What To Know

Calls for the amendment to be used came after Trump wrote in the letter on Monday: "I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace," after he was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Trump has long coveted the prestigious prize, which recognizes an individual or organization that has managed to "advance fellowship between nations." Venezuela's opposition leader María Corina Machado won the prize in 2025. It is awarded by an independent committee, not the government of Norway.

Writing on X, California Democrat Sydney Kamlager-Dove posted a news story that said Trump's desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland was linked to him not winning the Nobel Peace Prize and wrote: "Donald Trump is unfit to lead and clearly out of control. Invoke the 25th Amendment."

Senator Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, shared the same story and wrote: "Invoke the 25th Amendment."

Arizona Democrat Yassamin Ansari shared the letter Trump wrote to Norway and wrote: "The president of the United States is extremely mentally ill and it’s putting all of our lives at risk. The 25th Amendment exists for a reason—we need to invoke it immediately.

Sharing the same letter, California Democrat Eric Swalwell wrote: "25."

Thom Brooks, a law professor at Durham University in the U.K., told Newsweek: "No president has been removed from office under the 25th Amendment. Removal requires cabinet support and it seems steadfastly behind the president. While his political opponents may strongly disagree with his policies, having disagreements are not grounds to remove an elected politician at any level."

There have also been calls to impeach Trump. Nebraska Republican Don Bacon said Trump's desire to take over Greenland could spark bipartisan impeachment efforts. "It would be the end of his presidency," he told the press.

Texas Democrat Al Green said in a speech outside the U.S. Capitol earlier this month: "I pledge to you that I will do all that I can, including make efforts to impeach Donald John Trump, for all that he has done to create this stain on the citadel of democracy."

However, given that Republicans hold a majority in the House of Representatives, it is also unlikely that an impeachment effort would be successful.

What People Are Saying

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in a statement on Monday: "Norway's position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter. We also support that NATO in a responsible way is taking steps to strengthen security and stability in the Arctic. As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to President Trump what is well known, the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government."

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!."

What Happens Next

As the Greenland saga continues, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday that the U.S. would implement a 10 percent tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1, rising to 25 percent on June 1 where it would remain until a deal on Greenland is reached.

In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.

When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.