The week
Trump would have been ‘complaining about Pence’, who could still effectively fire him
President Trump cannot fire Vice President Mike Pence. But Pence can play a big role in the immediate end of Trump’s term. Removing Trump through the 25th Amendment, “a measure, long rejected as a liberal fantasy”, is one of several options being considered by Trump’s shaky allies, Axios said Wednesday night, confirming previous reports. Republicans are furious with Trump for “fomenting an attack on American democracy” by sending a crowd to loot the United States Capitol, as well as for his leadership role in ending the Republican Party’s control over the Senate, and “there is concern about if the country can resist another two weeks with Trump in charge. “Republicans are also discussing Trump’s censorship, which would do little, and his impeachment removal, says Axios. “The 25th Amendment route would require the membership of Pence and the majority of the Trump Cabinet. But many of these Cabinet members have also been loyal to the President and are in office, so it is not clear whether there is support or will.” On the other hand, “Trump has complained about Pence” and his ceremonial role in ending President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, sources tell Axios. If removed under the never-used Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, “Trump cannot simply withdraw his powers immediately and fire all cabinet officers who sought to remove him,” explained George Conway.> … to support the deputy’s judgment president and cabinet. Congress has 21 days to act. >> As Trump now has less than 14 days left in his term, Congress may simply run out of time with Pence in place until Biden is sworn in. >> – George Conway (@ gtconway3d) January 7, 2021The idea of removing Trump with the remaining 13 days of his term still not being embraced by Republican House or Senate leaders, says Axios, “and it is too early to know if those who talk about them are just venting after a shock to democracy, or if a mass criticism exists to proceed. “But Pence looked quite irritated and perhaps even a little presidential when he re-assembled the congressional count of Biden’s electoral victory after the police removed the pro-Trump crowd from the Capitol. “I’ve known Mike Pence forever,” Sen James Inhofe (R-Okla.) Told Tulsa World on Tuesday night, after a day of public abuse by Trump. “I have never seen Pence as angry as today. I had a long conversation with him,” he added. “He said, ‘After all the things I did for (Trump).'” More stories from theweek.com Trump advisers conclude that he is’ mentally inaccessible ‘Mick Mulvaney resigns from the Trump administration:’ I can’t stay here ‘Congress, Pence certifies Joe Biden’s presidential victory