General Discussion

Whatever the likelihood of such a move, you might wonder: How would that constitutional process play out?

Section 4 of the amendment gives the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet (or another body designated by Congress) the power to declare that the president “is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” If such a declaration is made here, then Vice President JD Vance would, as the amendment says, “immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.”

But that would not end the matter. Section 4, which has never been invoked, goes on to give the president the power to then tell Congress that he’s able to serve. In that case, he regains the office unless the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet (or another body designated by Congress) say he’s unable to serve. If that happens, then it’s up to Congress to decide, with the amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers, that the president is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” If Congress makes that determination, the vice president continues acting as president; otherwise, the president resumes serving.

So, although the initial action can come from the White House, Congress ultimately has a role to play, and Republicans control both chambers. ....

Therefore, like the 25th Amendment, impeachment leaves the fate of the country to a Republican party and congressional majority that has been subservient to this president.