Divisions have emerged within the Republican Party over the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Joe Biden from office due to his perceived cognitive decline.

Some Republicans are pushing for Biden's immediate removal via the constitutional provision following his announcement that he would not seek re-election, while Donald Trump and others caution against the potential repercussions in the race against presumptive Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Daily Mail reports.

President Biden Announces Decision Not to Run Again

On Sunday, Biden made the significant announcement that he would not seek reelection for a second term in office.

This declaration sparked a flurry of reactions across the political spectrum, particularly among some GOP lawmakers who have questioned his fitness to continue in office.

These concerns have led to a broader discussion about the possible invocation of the 25th Amendment, which outlines procedures for replacing a president deemed unable to fulfill presidential duties.

Republican Calls for Action Following Announcement

Immediately following Biden’s announcement, several Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, began urging the president's Cabinet to take steps to declare him unfit for office. They propose using the 25th Amendment as the legal basis for such an action.

Roy has gone so far as to file a resolution to prompt Harris to convene the Cabinet expressly for this purpose, while Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that he is still deciding whether to bring such a resolution to the House floor.

Trump's Opposition to the 25th Amendment

Trump made headlines on Thursday by stating his opposition to the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Biden.

Trump emphasized the risks of Harris assuming the presidency, suggesting she might be worse for the role than the current occupant of the White House.

"I don’t think they should use the 25th Amendment," Trump commented, adding concern about the global implications of such a change in leadership during these precarious times.

Legal Hurdles and Political Opinions

The 25th Amendment requires a complex process involving a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to declare the president unfit, which adds a significant barrier to its potential use.

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee has noted that even if such a move is pursued, it is unlikely to pass in the Senate, questioning the utility of the move.

Furthermore, Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee has taken a slightly different approach by introducing articles of impeachment against Vice President Harris, accusing her of failing to uphold border laws, thus highlighting the ongoing intense scrutiny within the executive branch.

Wide Range of GOP Responses

While some Republicans push for immediate action against Biden, others align with Trump’s stance, suggesting that the potential consequences of Harris’s presidency could outweigh the current concerns over Biden’s fitness.

Rep. Byron Donalds and Rep. Tim Burchett have publicly supported Trump's view of the controversy.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who has also advocated for invoking the 25th Amendment, described his actions as a fulfillment of constitutional duty, reflecting the deep divisions over how to address the perceived incapacity of the President.

Conclusion: A Party at Crossroads

In conclusion, the Republican Party remains split on the issue of President Biden's capacity to govern and the use of the 25th Amendment for his removal.

This internal conflict, compounded by former President Trump's significant influence and the controversial figure of Vice President Kamala Harris, sets the stage for ongoing political drama as the administration continues to navigate these challenging times.