Pence Rules Out Removing Trump With 25th Amendment

He says it shouldn't be used as 'a means of punishment'
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 12, 2021 7:26 PM CST
Pence Rules Out Invoking 25th Amendment
President Trump speaks to the media before boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Vice President Mike Pence is ruling out invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from power, less than a week after the president fomented the violent insurrection at the Capitol. In a letter late Tuesday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Pence said the mechanism should not be used "as a means of punishment or usurpation" and reserved for cases of medical or mental incapacitation, the AP reports. Pelosi has called on Pence to secure the majority of the Cabinet and vote to declare Trump unfit to serve.

As the House appears on the cusp of a bipartisan impeachment of Trump, Pence encouraged Congress to avoid actions to "further divide and inflame the passions of the moment" and to focus on smoothing the transition to President-elect Joe Biden’s administration. Pelosi has said if Pence rejects use of the 25th Amendment, the House will move to impeach him. Already, at least three Republicans have said they would vote in favor. (Pence met Trump Monday for the first time since the Capitol attack.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X