There is no chance Republicans will vote to impeach Trump or use the 25th amendment. Only 10 Republicans voted to impeach him after he lead an insurrection and sacked their workplace.
We need a national no-confidence mechanism that is directly controlled by citizens. We are currently beholden to a bunch of unctuous cowards who are more worried about their future consulting gigs than the fate of our democracy. Heaven help us.
Mitch McConnell, after placing the responsibility for the insurrection squarely on Trump's shoulders, begged his Republican colleagues not to impeach him, based on the timing (he had waited long enough that Trump was essentially gone) and belief that the courts would hold him responsible -- which thanks to the Supreme Court -- not only didn't, they gave him a new power of immunity. That said, in fact because of it, I totally agree that if there were some sort of way for citizens to express "no confidence," that would be advantageous about now. There was no way, prior to this, that it would at all have been conceivable that the Republicans would vacate their responsibilities to their constituents, as well as to the oath they swore, hand on the Bible, to. Now, they just join in with Trump and (most unbecomingly) swear.
In this case, it was not nearly as much the 6 fascists on the Roberts court's fault as it was Merrick Garland's. He had four years to do something about the orange dumpster, but he waited far too long to get his shit in gear until it was too late.
Agreed. He's a brilliant lawyer and made a great Appellate Judge, but he just didn't have the stomach for a fight needed for a political appointee. He was mis-matched in the AG role.
I think the concern of the lickspittles in the cabinet is overestimated. I don't believe that any of them will put the safety of our country or the world above their need to continue their butt licking of the Toddler in Chief. They checked whatever integrity they may have had at the door to the Oval Office. Vance would continue the Fascist terror campaign without making the same blunders of the Toddler. I see no hope before November 2026.
In one sense Vance would be better-- he wouldn't command the fear that keeps Repugnican'ts in line in Congress. In fact, I suspect that at least the senior ones would respond with the old Foghorn Leghorn quote "Go away son, you bother me" when Vance tried to muscle them around. But politically he's not much better than Trump, and maybe worse in some things, although he does recognize the Iran war as a bad idea.
Remember: there is Usha in the background with her many-armed gods wrapped around JD. Thinking of Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate, but maybe Usha is a GOOD witch, like Glinda. What do we have to lose?
I agree that the Cabinet and Vance would not invoke the 25th Amendment but not so much because they are toadies and lickspittles to the core. Trump has pardon power and this is the leverage he holds over everyone in his administration, including Cabinet secretaries who probably will all have need for a 'stay out of jail' card. I'm not so sure about Vance, he is very careful about things that may incriminate. So no way will the Cabinet go after Trump's removal, they personally would expose themselves to charges and potential jail time.
"His (Trump's) lies and fantasies have become more convoluted, showing signs of dementia on top of his megalomania."
These "signs" have been showing at least since he allowed ICE agents to be empowered as police, with the unprovoked attacks on boats and their crews in the Caribbean, an unprovoked attack upon Venezuela, the kidnaping of Maduro, and now, teaming up with another war criminal (Netanyahu) against Iran which had posed no imminent threat. Every action with convoluted defenses for them has been further indication of his deterioration. If the 25th Amendment section 4 cannot be called up, it is time for Congress to act for our nation and others to impeach.
Great opinion piece, Norm!! Your insights, as always, are so appreciated! And your sense of urgency, I'm afraid, correctly characterizes the fact-based terror we felt yesterday prior to the 2-week cease fire. I wish the Republicans would wake up and develop spine. We all have wished that for a long time.
The Contrarian editor(s)-in-chief ( a cross-post in my comments also in the Ben Sheehan article)-- two of your authors recently posted articles about the current strong interest in Amendment 25, Section 4. I believe the 2 articles contradict one another in describing how the chambers of Congress would rule in a case where the President disputes being removed from office through Amendment 25, Section 4.
In one Contrarian article, Norm Ornstein writes: "...with a 2/3rds vote in BOTH houses NEEDED to keep the vice president in the office...[my emphases by caps] "
-- This, correctly I think, means that BOTH chambers of Congress need to agree (by a 2/3 vote in each) that the president's removal from power is valid and shall persist. Therefore, if either (or, both) chamber(s) does NOT reach a 2/3 majority vote approving the removal from power, the president returns to power.
In the other Contrarian article, Ben Sheehan writes: "But if BOTH houses CAN'T reach a two thirds vote, then Trump GOES BACK TO BEING PRESIDENT...[my emphases by caps]"
-- I think this phrasing is incorrect and would literally mean that the president would return to power only if both chambers don't each reach 2/3 vote to validate the removal from office. In other words, if either chamber voted by 2/3 to validate the removal from power and the other failed to reach 2/3 vote approving the removal, then the president's removal from power would persist.
Are my logical interpretations above accurate? And, am I correct that Norm Ornstein's phrasing is the proper explanation of Amendment 25, Section 4?
Here's an email I just sent to Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible.
April 11, 2026
Dear Ezra Levin:
I think Indivisible should think about pivoting so that the main thrust on May 1 is supporting the removal of Trump. It may be too late to do this, but I think the strike might have limited support. I think it was successful in Minnesota because it was like they had an occupying army there and two people were killed. I’m not sure you’ll get the same level of emotional commitment nationwide.
The pivot could be justified by the recent news that articles of impeachment were filed on April 6 by Rep. John Larson while more than 80 Democratic representatives simultaneously called for invocation of the 25th Amendment. Here’s part of what I wrote in a recent email:
Here's some food for thought. I can understand if people disagree with the following strategy and don't know if it fits with Indivisible National's agenda. However, there is some movement within Indivisible for an "impeach him now" approach (see https://indivisible.org/events/impeach-him-now/ from "Indivisible Action" and see https://indivisible.org/events/impeach-trump-protest-with-west-mi-indivisible/ from West Michigan ) I would like to propose an alternative for May Day, and this fits with Judy's question about whether we should have a rally on Saturday about the 25th Amendment.
Strategically, this doesn't have support of all Democrats because some think impeachment should wait until after the midterms.
However, with the recent filing, I think we should cease the moment and make this the theme of our May 1 rally. Signs could say "Impeach Convict," or "Impeach Convict Now" or simply "Impeach." Or maybe "Invoke 25th" or "Invoke 25th Amend. Now." Or simply "Oust Trump." I would be willing to take this message to one or more bridges with black signs with white lettering.
Because of Trump's erratic behavior and his plans to seize the midterm elections, possibly using military force, as described by Senator Mark Warner (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak__tRF8PnM), I don't think we can afford to wait until November. Not only because of the threat to the midterms but because of the chance of Trump doing crazier and crazier stuff (such as nuclear weapons use?) between now and then.
If it’s too late to have the “oust Trump” message as the main message on May 1, perhaps it could be part of a dual message that includes the strike. Thanks for listening.
Hello Norman, First I appreciate the 25th Section 4 Constitutional
Amendment reminder. I also hold with the necessity for an intervention into the chaos and danger of this presidency. I feel less confident however about an intervention; any part of the Trump cabinet group, even potential members of the Republican congress (Johnnson) are only a degree of a better answer. It's a bind. I think Trump is on his way to shoot himself in the foot - so to say. However combining the following - malignant narcisisstic psychopath - dementia and megalomania is excessive. Mainly because each word is sufficient; all together they are a little Trumpian. Your article worked to give me hope that there is some conversation happening, and a little needed humor. Best wishes under turbulent times, Robin
For those who’ve suggested the second in line, JD Vance, wouldn’t be much of an improvement, Ornstein’s paragraph on this scenario is worth serious consideration.
There is no chance Republicans will vote to impeach Trump or use the 25th amendment. Only 10 Republicans voted to impeach him after he lead an insurrection and sacked their workplace.
We need a national no-confidence mechanism that is directly controlled by citizens. We are currently beholden to a bunch of unctuous cowards who are more worried about their future consulting gigs than the fate of our democracy. Heaven help us.
Mitch McConnell, after placing the responsibility for the insurrection squarely on Trump's shoulders, begged his Republican colleagues not to impeach him, based on the timing (he had waited long enough that Trump was essentially gone) and belief that the courts would hold him responsible -- which thanks to the Supreme Court -- not only didn't, they gave him a new power of immunity. That said, in fact because of it, I totally agree that if there were some sort of way for citizens to express "no confidence," that would be advantageous about now. There was no way, prior to this, that it would at all have been conceivable that the Republicans would vacate their responsibilities to their constituents, as well as to the oath they swore, hand on the Bible, to. Now, they just join in with Trump and (most unbecomingly) swear.
In this case, it was not nearly as much the 6 fascists on the Roberts court's fault as it was Merrick Garland's. He had four years to do something about the orange dumpster, but he waited far too long to get his shit in gear until it was too late.
Agreed. He's a brilliant lawyer and made a great Appellate Judge, but he just didn't have the stomach for a fight needed for a political appointee. He was mis-matched in the AG role.
I LIKE that: a no-confidence vote….that would be a perfect solution to the current state of affairs we find ourselves in….bravo!
I think the concern of the lickspittles in the cabinet is overestimated. I don't believe that any of them will put the safety of our country or the world above their need to continue their butt licking of the Toddler in Chief. They checked whatever integrity they may have had at the door to the Oval Office. Vance would continue the Fascist terror campaign without making the same blunders of the Toddler. I see no hope before November 2026.
Fuckers couldn’t FIND the door to the Oval Office without a guide.
In one sense Vance would be better-- he wouldn't command the fear that keeps Repugnican'ts in line in Congress. In fact, I suspect that at least the senior ones would respond with the old Foghorn Leghorn quote "Go away son, you bother me" when Vance tried to muscle them around. But politically he's not much better than Trump, and maybe worse in some things, although he does recognize the Iran war as a bad idea.
Remember: there is Usha in the background with her many-armed gods wrapped around JD. Thinking of Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate, but maybe Usha is a GOOD witch, like Glinda. What do we have to lose?
I agree that the Cabinet and Vance would not invoke the 25th Amendment but not so much because they are toadies and lickspittles to the core. Trump has pardon power and this is the leverage he holds over everyone in his administration, including Cabinet secretaries who probably will all have need for a 'stay out of jail' card. I'm not so sure about Vance, he is very careful about things that may incriminate. So no way will the Cabinet go after Trump's removal, they personally would expose themselves to charges and potential jail time.
The fascists will never do what needs to be done. They poop in their pants every time he looks at them.
"His (Trump's) lies and fantasies have become more convoluted, showing signs of dementia on top of his megalomania."
These "signs" have been showing at least since he allowed ICE agents to be empowered as police, with the unprovoked attacks on boats and their crews in the Caribbean, an unprovoked attack upon Venezuela, the kidnaping of Maduro, and now, teaming up with another war criminal (Netanyahu) against Iran which had posed no imminent threat. Every action with convoluted defenses for them has been further indication of his deterioration. If the 25th Amendment section 4 cannot be called up, it is time for Congress to act for our nation and others to impeach.
Great opinion piece, Norm!! Your insights, as always, are so appreciated! And your sense of urgency, I'm afraid, correctly characterizes the fact-based terror we felt yesterday prior to the 2-week cease fire. I wish the Republicans would wake up and develop spine. We all have wished that for a long time.
Before Nixon was forced to resign, Agnew was replaced by someone far more palatable. Just saying!
The Contrarian editor(s)-in-chief ( a cross-post in my comments also in the Ben Sheehan article)-- two of your authors recently posted articles about the current strong interest in Amendment 25, Section 4. I believe the 2 articles contradict one another in describing how the chambers of Congress would rule in a case where the President disputes being removed from office through Amendment 25, Section 4.
In one Contrarian article, Norm Ornstein writes: "...with a 2/3rds vote in BOTH houses NEEDED to keep the vice president in the office...[my emphases by caps] "
-- This, correctly I think, means that BOTH chambers of Congress need to agree (by a 2/3 vote in each) that the president's removal from power is valid and shall persist. Therefore, if either (or, both) chamber(s) does NOT reach a 2/3 majority vote approving the removal from power, the president returns to power.
In the other Contrarian article, Ben Sheehan writes: "But if BOTH houses CAN'T reach a two thirds vote, then Trump GOES BACK TO BEING PRESIDENT...[my emphases by caps]"
-- I think this phrasing is incorrect and would literally mean that the president would return to power only if both chambers don't each reach 2/3 vote to validate the removal from office. In other words, if either chamber voted by 2/3 to validate the removal from power and the other failed to reach 2/3 vote approving the removal, then the president's removal from power would persist.
Are my logical interpretations above accurate? And, am I correct that Norm Ornstein's phrasing is the proper explanation of Amendment 25, Section 4?
Lee Johnson
near Taos, NM
"with the requirement that the individual nominated be confirmed by a majority vote in both houses of Congress."
Like that would ever happen.
Here's an email I just sent to Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible.
April 11, 2026
Dear Ezra Levin:
I think Indivisible should think about pivoting so that the main thrust on May 1 is supporting the removal of Trump. It may be too late to do this, but I think the strike might have limited support. I think it was successful in Minnesota because it was like they had an occupying army there and two people were killed. I’m not sure you’ll get the same level of emotional commitment nationwide.
The pivot could be justified by the recent news that articles of impeachment were filed on April 6 by Rep. John Larson while more than 80 Democratic representatives simultaneously called for invocation of the 25th Amendment. Here’s part of what I wrote in a recent email:
Here's some food for thought. I can understand if people disagree with the following strategy and don't know if it fits with Indivisible National's agenda. However, there is some movement within Indivisible for an "impeach him now" approach (see https://indivisible.org/events/impeach-him-now/ from "Indivisible Action" and see https://indivisible.org/events/impeach-trump-protest-with-west-mi-indivisible/ from West Michigan ) I would like to propose an alternative for May Day, and this fits with Judy's question about whether we should have a rally on Saturday about the 25th Amendment.
Impeachment articles were filed on April 6 by Rep. John Larson, along with a call for invoking the 25th Amendment. ( See https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hres1155/BILLS-119hres1155ih.pdf and see https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-files-articles-impeachment-calls-25th-amendment-trump-becomes and see commentary from David Pakman on this at s://youtu.be/0S93tCLzXbY?si=uttmSDOXPusDjVX5)
Strategically, this doesn't have support of all Democrats because some think impeachment should wait until after the midterms.
However, with the recent filing, I think we should cease the moment and make this the theme of our May 1 rally. Signs could say "Impeach Convict," or "Impeach Convict Now" or simply "Impeach." Or maybe "Invoke 25th" or "Invoke 25th Amend. Now." Or simply "Oust Trump." I would be willing to take this message to one or more bridges with black signs with white lettering.
Because of Trump's erratic behavior and his plans to seize the midterm elections, possibly using military force, as described by Senator Mark Warner (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak__tRF8PnM), I don't think we can afford to wait until November. Not only because of the threat to the midterms but because of the chance of Trump doing crazier and crazier stuff (such as nuclear weapons use?) between now and then.
In addition, here is a link to a recent article from the Contrarian by Norman Ornstein advocating action now: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/break-glass?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
If it’s too late to have the “oust Trump” message as the main message on May 1, perhaps it could be part of a dual message that includes the strike. Thanks for listening.
Tom Locke
2819 Sunset Drive
Golden, Colorado 80401
thomasnlocke@gmail.com
720-261-7484
Thank you, again, Norm — for speaking clearly when needed.
Hello Norman, First I appreciate the 25th Section 4 Constitutional
Amendment reminder. I also hold with the necessity for an intervention into the chaos and danger of this presidency. I feel less confident however about an intervention; any part of the Trump cabinet group, even potential members of the Republican congress (Johnnson) are only a degree of a better answer. It's a bind. I think Trump is on his way to shoot himself in the foot - so to say. However combining the following - malignant narcisisstic psychopath - dementia and megalomania is excessive. Mainly because each word is sufficient; all together they are a little Trumpian. Your article worked to give me hope that there is some conversation happening, and a little needed humor. Best wishes under turbulent times, Robin
Puh-leeeeze! Nobody in trump’s presence mention ‘our precious body fluids’!
For those who’ve suggested the second in line, JD Vance, wouldn’t be much of an improvement, Ornstein’s paragraph on this scenario is worth serious consideration.