Celebrities and Politicians Call for Donald Trump’s Impeachment in Wake of Capitol Riot

Celebrities and politicians are calling for President Donald Trump’s removal from office in wake of the January 6 Capitol riot that led to four fatalities and 52 arrests. Many are pushing for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, while others are calling for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office. 

The 25th Amendment, for those who need a refresher, helps designate a head of state if the U.S. president dies or becomes unfit to lead. It also formalized the long-standing practice of the vice president taking over should the president resign or pass away. In this case, Vice President Mike Pence would have to work with the Cabinet to declare Trump unable to fulfill his duties. This is slightly different than an impeachment, another method of removing a president from office. 

Trump’s presidency will end in less than two weeks, so it’s unlikely the 25th Amendment will be invoked at this time or that he’ll be impeached. But this isn’t stopping his detractors from calling for it. 

“I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment,” Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district, tweeted. “Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We can’t allow him to remain in office, it’s a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.” 

Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Cabinet should stop hiding behind anonymous leaks to reporters and do what the Constitution demands they do: invoke the 25th Amendment and remove this President from office.”

“Impeach,” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district, tweeted. 

Celebrities are also adding their voices to the conversation. “It feels like a great time for the 25th Amendment,” actor and activist Sophia Bush tweeted. 

Stevie Wonder posted, “It is time for the leaders of this country to invoke the 25th Amendment. Isn’t it obvious? Today has made me sad with disbelief with what is happening in my country, a country that has inspired my songs of hope and love.” 

Actor Jon Cryer added, “Impeach him. Remove him. Arrest him. Try him.” 

This post will be updated.