Pence, cabinet should use 25th Amendment to replace Trump - opinion

• Author: JORDAN BARKIN
• Date: 07 January 2021
• Published date: 07 January 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The group of Trump supporters descended upon the Capitol building and incited a riot, breaking windows, raiding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office, and trespassing into the Senate Chamber.

National figures from both parties criticized the riot shortly thereafter. Former president George W. Bush wrote in a statement, "I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement." Bush, like most former US leaders, respects America's peaceful transfer of power between administrations.

Senate Majority and soon-to-be Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), in an address around 8 pm Wednesday, derided the protesters as an "unhinged mob." He said, "We will certify the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress."

Senate Minority and soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) agreed, stating, "Rioters stalk[ed] these hallowed halls."

The domestic terrorists who interrupted our legislators at the US Capitol deserve the blame for their actions, but so does the commander-in-chief who encouraged them. Because he incited a riot in our Capitol, promoted conspiracy theories, and treasonously encouraged an attack on our nation's legislative chambers, Donald Trump should be removed from office.

Mr. Trump's actions and vocal disrespect for democracy make him a clear and present danger to American institutions, unfit to serve even for two more weeks.

The 25th Amendment to the US Constitution states: "Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of...