Two US senators have suggested that members of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet should consider applying the 25th Amendment to remove the president. They raised concerns about Biden’s performance in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, questioning his ability to fulfill his duties. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida both expressed belief that the issue of invoking the 25th Amendment is being discussed among Democrats.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, provides a process by which the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet can declare the president unable to carry out their duties, allowing the vice president to become acting president. During the debate, Biden displayed a hoarse voice and verbal errors, leading to questions about his competence to serve as president. If Vice President Kamala Harris and the cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment and Biden does not object, Harris would become acting president.
Harris dismissed concerns about Biden’s debate performance and praised his commitment to facts and truth during the debate. Former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to serve as commander in chief, with McCaskill stating that he failed to reassure the public of his capability.
Despite the discussion surrounding the 25th Amendment, Harris did not mention it in her response to questions about Biden’s performance. The debate highlighted concerns about Biden’s readiness for the presidency, leading some to consider the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment.