Former President Donald Trump has called for modifications to the 25th Amendment, suggesting it should allow for the removal of vice presidents. 

As reported by The Daily Caller, Trump made this proposal during a campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, on September 8, 2024.

The Republican presidential nominee's proposition comes in the wake of President Joe Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement on the 2024 Democratic ticket. Trump's suggested amendment would make vice presidents eligible for impeachment if they are found to be concealing a president's mental incapacity.

Trump's Proposed Amendment Modification Details

Trump expressed his support for modifying the 25th Amendment to address concerns about vice presidential conduct. He specifically mentioned the possibility of impeachment for vice presidents who engage in covering up a president's incapacity.

The former president stated:

I will support modifying the 25th Amendment to make clear that if a vice president lies or engages in a conspiracy to cover up the incapacity of the President of the United States, if you do that with a coverup of the President of the United States, it's ground for impeachment immediately and removal from office. Because that's what they did.

This proposal appears to be directed at Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump and other Republicans accuse of hiding President Biden's alleged cognitive decline.

Context Of Biden's Campaign Withdrawal

The context for Trump's proposal stems from recent events in the Democratic party. President Biden endorsed Vice President Harris to replace him on the 2024 Democratic ticket on July 21, following what was widely perceived as a poor debate performance against Trump on June 27.

Biden's decision to abandon his re-election campaign came after mounting concerns about his age and ability to serve as president. These concerns were amplified by the release of special counsel Robert Hur's report in October 2023, which referred to Biden as a "well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory."

Democratic Party's Internal Pressure On Biden

In the weeks leading up to his withdrawal from the 2024 race, Biden faced significant pressure from within his own party.

Top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former President Barack Obama, privately urged Biden to end his re-election bid.

Despite the internal pressure, Biden initially resisted stepping aside. In a July 5 interview with ABC News's George Stephanopoulos, he stated that it would take the word of the "Lord Almighty" for him to drop out of the race. However, just 16 days later, on July 21, Biden announced the end of his campaign on social media.

Biden's Post-Withdrawal Reflections

Following his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, Biden offered some insights into the factors that influenced his choice.

In his first post-withdrawal interview with CBS News on August 11, Biden acknowledged that many Democrats in Congress believed his continued candidacy would have negatively impacted down-ballot races.

This admission suggests that concerns about Biden's electability extended beyond just his age and cognitive abilities, encompassing broader strategic considerations for the Democratic Party as a whole.

Implications For The 2024 Election Landscape

Trump's proposal to modify the 25th Amendment introduces a new element to the already complex 2024 election landscape.

By focusing on the role of the vice president in potentially concealing a president's incapacity, Trump is drawing attention to the issue of presidential fitness and the mechanisms in place to address it.

The suggestion also highlights the ongoing debate about Biden's cognitive abilities and the role that Harris may have played in managing public perceptions of the president's capacity to serve. As the election approaches, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of political discussions.

Conclusion

Trump's proposed amendment modification, Biden's campaign withdrawal, and Harris's elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket have significantly reshaped the 2024 presidential race. The coming months will likely see continued debate over presidential fitness, the role of vice presidents, and the potential need for constitutional reforms to address these issues. A