Speaker Johnson Questions Biden’s Ability to Serve, Suggests Invoking 25th Amendment
By Jake Beardslee ·
June 29, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested that President Joe Biden's Cabinet should consider invoking the 25th Amendment following a controversial debate performance against Trump that has intensified concerns about the President's age and mental acuity. CQ Roll Call-USA TODAY NETWORK
During a press conference on Friday, Speaker Johnson addressed growing calls within the Republican Party for the implementation of the 25th Amendment, Forbes reported. CQ Roll Call-USA TODAY NETWORK
He acknowledged the widespread interest in the topic, stating, "there's a lot of people asking about" it. However, he emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Biden's Cabinet members. Office of President Joe Biden / Wikimedia
Johnson urged Cabinet officials to carefully consider their responsibilities, saying, "I would ask the Cabinet members to search their hearts. ... And we hope that they will do their duty, as we all seek to do our duty to do best by the American people. These are fateful moments." Office of Speaker Mike Johnson / Wikimedia
When pressed further on whether he personally believed the 25th Amendment should be invoked, Johnson responded, "If I were in the Cabinet ... I would be having that discussion with my colleagues at the Cabinet level. I would. ... We'll see what action they take. It's a serious situation." CQ Roll Call-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Speaker's comments come in the wake of more direct action from within his party. Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) announced plans to introduce a resolution calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to initiate the process outlined in the 25th Amendment, according to The Hill. USA TODAY
Roy's proposed resolution would urge Harris to "mobilize the principal officers of the Cabinet" to declare the President unable to discharge his duties and assume the role of acting president. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
These developments mark a significant escalation in Republican efforts to question President Biden's fitness for office, potentially setting the stage for a tense political battle in the coming weeks. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK
