VP Mike Pence rules out invoking 25th Amendment on President Donald Trump

"I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution."

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence presides over a joint session of Congress to count the Electoral College votes of the 2020 presidential election in the House Chamber in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Photographer: Erin Schaff/The New York Times/Bloomberg — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi informing her that he would not invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. –Erin Schaff/The New York Times/Bloomberg

By

The Associated Press

January 12, 2021

Vice President Mike Pence is ruling out invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald 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. Pelosi has called on Pence to secure the majority of the Cabinet and vote to declare Trump unfit to serve.

JUST IN: VP Mike Pence says in letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi he will not invoke the 25th Amendment. https://t.co/RR6TeLCEpr pic.twitter.com/lbmQsrut8c

— ABC News (@ABC) January 13, 2021

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 for that.

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