Washington lawmakers join calls to remove President Trump from office
Jan 7, 2021, 6:25 AM | Updated: 2:59 pm
Congressmember Pramila Jayapal. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
In the wake of a violent mob descending on the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday, several Washington state leaders and lawmakers are joining calls to remove President Trump from office prior to Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
WA lawmakers describe Wednesday mayhem in the Capitol building
This comes amid sources telling the New York Times that “25th Amendment discussions” among staff in the Trump administration, while “not particularly focused,” are beginning to take shape. The Hill confirmed those reports, noting that the discussions “appear to be limited and it’s not clear whether they have reached the level of any Cabinet officials.”
Invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office would require the approval of Vice President Pence and a majority of cabinet members.
Meanwhile, Democrats in Washington’s Congressional delegation are throwing their support behind removing Trump from office either through impeachment or by invoking the 25th Amendment.
“The president is manifestly unfit for office,” Washington 6th District Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “I believe that the Vice President and cabinet should invoke the 25th amendment.”
The president is manifestly unfit for office. I believe that the Vice President and cabinet should invoke the 25th amendment.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/MsJnEX80oB
— Rep. Derek Kilmer (@RepDerekKilmer) January 7, 2021
“President Trump has violated his oath of office,” 1st District Rep. Suzan DelBene agreed. “For the good of the country, the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove him from office immediately.”
Ross: If only Trump had managed to follow his own advice
Also joining those calls were Washington Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, and Rick Larsen, as well as Washington Senator Patty Murray and Governor Jay Inslee.
“The most immediate way to ensure the President is prevented from causing further harm in coming days is to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office,” Murray said.
“There can be no doubt and there can be no delay — he must be removed,” Jayapal echoed.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement about efforts to remove President Trump from office:
I supported impeaching the President before for his misuse of his office. And I will support impeachment against for abusing power and attempting to interfere in the election results in Georgia. Promulgating misinformation as he did yesterday about our election system is a threat to our democracy. He is failing to uphold our Constitution.
I would also support his cabinet in their measures to remove him from office.
President-elect Joe Biden is set to be sworn in less than two weeks from Thursday. Despite repeatedly refusing to concede in the days since the November election, President Trump issued a statement early Thursday morning pledging an “orderly transition” of power.
