California Governor Gavin Newsom stirred controversy on Thursday evening by suggesting the invocation of the 25th Amendment following President Donald Trump’s remarks on election integrity. Newsom described Trump’s speech as indicative of cognitive impairment, likening it to the “rambling of a mad king.”
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, permits the Cabinet or an independent body established by Congress to deem the president unfit for duty. Newsom’s comments echo existing calls from Democrats questioning Trump’s cognitive abilities, sparking debates over similar concerns previously raised about former President Joe Biden.
The only thing missing in Donald Trump’s speech was tin foil. This was a legitimate 25th Amendment moment.
Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee criticized Democrats, accusing them of downplaying Biden’s mental acuity while targeting Trump. Trump supporters, like Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, accused Newsom of wanting to remove Trump from office over alleged vulnerabilities in California’s voter registration system.
Trump’s address to the nation highlighted perceived election integrity issues, including foreign interference by China and historic election vulnerabilities. He claimed the release of newly declassified documents as evidence of “election fraud.” However, Fox News Digital was unable to verify these documents independently.
Newsom and other Democrats expressed skepticism about Trump’s motives, interpreting the speech as an attempt to influence the upcoming midterms.
Support for Newsom’s call was widespread among Democrats. Influential voices like Harry Sisson and Rep. Yassamin Ansari emphasized the urgency of invoking the 25th Amendment. Ansari had previously advocated for an independent review of any president’s cognitive state, suggesting involvement from past presidents and experts.
Newsom’s office did not comment on his support for Ansari’s proposed bill, while conservatives warned of potential national disruption from invoking the 25th Amendment.
Some Republicans expressed concern about Newsom’s actions, questioning the impact such a move would have on democracy. California Assemblyman Joe Patterson expressed skepticism about Newsom’s motivations.