How Trump could be removed from office

The storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump has led to calls by some lawmakers to remove him from office


Jan 6: President Trump encourages protesters at rally in Washington DC


OPTION 1 (fast)
25TH AMENDMENT, SECTION 4
To be used when president is unable to carry out duties but does not step down voluntarily – possibly due to physical or mental illness. May apply to president dangerously unfit for office

Has never been invoked before*

HOW IT WORKS

1. Vice President Mike Pence (right) and majority of Cabinet declare Trump unfit to perform duties of presidency and remove him

Pence	Cabinet (majority needed)

2. Pence takes over as president for remainder of term (until Jan 20)

If Trump argues he is capable of resuming his duties

1. Pence and majority of Cabinet do not contest Trump and he regains power
Or
2. They dispute Trump, making Congress decide outcome – Pence remains president until they do

Two-thirds majority in both Chambers needed
  
3. As Democrats control House of Representatives, they simply delay voting until Trump’s term has ended


OPTION 2 (slow)
IMPEACHMENT
Process by which legislature brings charges against civil officer of government for alleged crimes 

Three U.S. presidents have been impeached before†
  
HOW IT WORKS

1. House of Representatives brings charges that president engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors

2. If majority of House’s 435 members approve bringing charges, known as articles of impeachment, process moves to Senate
                  
3. Senate holds trial to determine president’s guilt. Can take few days. If found guilty, Pence becomes president
  
Two-thirds majority required by Senate

Likely charges could be that Trump fomented sedition, attempted to overthrow U.S. government or showed disloyalty to Constitution

       
U.S. CONGRESS
Meets in Capitol building
Comprised of two Chambers: Senate (upper chamber) and House of Representatives (lower chamber)
    

*Almost used twice during Ronald Reagan’s presidency – in 1981 and again in 1987

†Andrew Johnson (1868, acquitted), Bill Clinton (1998, acquitted), Donald Trump (2019, acquitted)

Pictures: Associated Press, Creative Commons
Source: Reuters, ABC News, The Guardian, Wikipedia 
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