Following President Donald Trump’s speech in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, in which he confused Greenland with Iceland and criticized European leadership while touting the successes of his first year back in office, calls have grown to invoke the 25th Amendment.
The messages on social media, including from some Democrats, to remove Trump from office contrasted with claims by White House officials that the speech was a resounding success.
Why It Matters
Trump, like other presidents before him, has faced multiple calls to leave office, including impeachment proceedings during his first term. During President Joe Biden’s stint in the White House, Trump frequently commented on his apparent cognitive decline and criticized Democrats for failing to tackle the issue. In recent months, Trump’s own health has been called into question, leading some to call for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.
What To Know
In a speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, Trump repeated some of his main talking points in recent months, including wanting to take control of Greenland.
He also took a dig at European leaders, officially announced his Board of Peace, and told a reception of CEOs that “sometimes you need a dictator.”
However, it was his style of speech and physicality that appeared to concern observers more, with Democratic New York congressional candidate George Conway telling podcaster Jim Acosta that the president needed to be held to account. Conway said there was a proposed bill that would create an independent body that could determine if a president was fit for office under the 25th Amendment.
“We have to do that," Conway said. "It’s one of the many things we have to do if this country is to survive.”
Others on social media also posted their desire to see the 25th Amendment invoked. Some members of Congress have already called for it, including Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey and Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari, both Democrats, on Monday.
Using the constitutional tool would require members of Trump’s Cabinet, including Vice President JD Vance, to reach the conclusion the president is no longer able to discharge the powers and duties of his office, something which seems unlikely.
What People Are Saying
John Iadarola, host of The Damage Report, on X: “We are so overdue for the 25th amendment. Not just for our benefit, but for his. Grandpa needs a nice quiet retirement at Mar-a-Lago, rambling about wind mills and crashing people's weddings.”
Brian Allen, an independent journalist and commentator, on X: “Trump is slurring at Davos. This isn’t “mean tweets” or “policy differences” anymore. It’s cognitive decline in real time with nuclear codes attached. 25th Amendment. Now.”
Dem Saints, an X account calling for members of the Church of Latter Day Saints to vote for Democrats, on Wednesday: “If Biden had confused one country for another this many times, Sean Hannity would dedicate an entire week to calling for the 25th Amendment.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, on X following Trump's speech: "America is back, and the whole world knows it. @POTUS is undoubtedly the leader of the free world. He's also the businessman, and negotiator-in-chief—and so, there was a very long list of foreign leaders and business leaders who wanted to meet with @POTUS today."
New York Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to reporters on Wednesday: “I think that the president has been acting in increasingly erratic ways. I think it is really damning when we think about the degree to which mass media outlets reported on Joe Biden.…Yet, we are seeing behavior from Donald Trump that is increasingly erratic and alarming, and everyone’s pretending that this is normal.”
What Happens Next
While Trump has seen his support slump in recent polling, his Cabinet and White House staff appear fully behind him and his policies, leaving a slim chance of the 25th Amendment being invoked at this time.
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.
Conversation
Start a discussion, not a fire. Post with kindness. Read our guidelines here
All Comments