Democrats Push 25th Amendment to Highlight Trump's Erratic Behavior

With little chance of success, Democrats aim to put Republicans on the defensive about the president's aberrant conduct.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:00am

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While there's little expectation that President Donald Trump's inner circle will turn on him, Democrats are invoking the 25th Amendment as a way to keep the spotlight on Trump's erratic behavior and force Republicans to answer for it. The constitutional mechanism to remove a president deemed 'unable' to carry out his duties has almost no chance of succeeding, but Democrats see it as a tactic to put Trump's allies on the defensive ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

The 25th Amendment debate allows Democrats to highlight Trump's recent controversial actions, such as threatening to destroy Iran's 'civilization' and picking a fight with the Pope, without pursuing another impeachment that would be dead on arrival with Republicans controlling the House. It also keeps the focus on Trump's fitness for office as the midterm elections approach.

The details

Democrats, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and several members of the state's congressional delegation, have called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, citing his erratic behavior and statements. However, the process is designed to be extremely difficult, requiring Vice President JD Vance, a majority of Trump's Cabinet, and two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate to support ousting the president. Legal scholars say the amendment is intended to address cases of presidential incapacitation, not political disagreements.

  • On Easter morning, Trump threatened Iran with destruction if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in a message underscored with profanity.
  • Days later, Trump wrote, 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.'

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who has been making the case for months that Trump is suffering from 'dementia' and 'losing it'.

JD Vance

The Republican vice president who, along with a majority of Trump's Cabinet, would need to support ousting the president under the 25th Amendment.

Marco Rubio

The Republican secretary of state who, along with Vance, could be put in a politically awkward position by the 25th Amendment debate.

Mike Quigley

A Democratic U.S. representative from Illinois who said that if Vance and the Cabinet do not act, Congress should pursue impeachment.

Sean Casten

A Democratic U.S. representative from Illinois who said Trump's threat to annihilate Iran was 'a bridge too far … bigger than Stalin, Mao and Hitler combined'.

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What they’re saying

“'Americans spent (last) Tuesday wondering if Trump was about to start a nuclear war while he escalated tensions to a degree that could have had disastrous impacts on our safety and security. We simply cannot risk having someone that unstable leading our country.'”

— Mike Quigley, U.S. Representative

“'This is way beyond, 'I have a difference of opinion.' Do I think that JD Vance and the Cabinet have the character to act? No. But we need to elevate this conversation.'”

— Sean Casten, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.