The Twenty-fifth Amendment (Amendment XXV) to the United States Constitution deals with succession to the Presidency and establishes procedures both for filling a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, as well as responding to Presidential disabilities.

The President’s cabinet is important for several reasons:

• President Trump is said to be impetuous. The people depend on cabinet officers to moderate rash impulses.
• The Twenty-Fifth Amendment makes “either a majority of principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide” responsible for determining the President’s fitness.
• President Trump may be in violation of the Emoluments Clause (Article I, Section 9) of the Constitution. If this comes before the courts, the Justice Department must represent the public interest rather than the private interest of the President.

I am not aware that Congress has made any laws regarding the Twenty-Fifth Amendment.

President Trump has expressed a lack of confidence in NATO. Defense Secretary Mattis has stated a different opinion. It is important that Mattis and other executive branch officers have the ability and integrity to oppose unwise proposals.

The Twenty-Fifth Amendment gives officers of the executive department responsible for determining whether or not the President is fit to serve. This responsibility depends on officers having discretion and integrity.

When the Senate confirms nominees for important offices, it must take care that candidates can meet the challenges of their office. In short, no toadies should be confirmed.

© William Hungerford – January 23, 1017