Renewed discussion of the 25th Amendment has emerged after President Donald Trump repeatedly stated his intention to annex Greenland, arguing that U.S. control of the Danish territory is necessary for national security. Trump has raised the issue since returning to office last year, drawing strong criticism from European leaders and prompting concerns about diplomatic escalation. In response to European opposition, Trump has threatened new tariffs on several European countries, starting at 10 percent and potentially rising to 25 percent by June if negotiations over Greenland fail.

While no military action has been announced, critics warn that aggressive rhetoric toward an allied region could heighten global tensions. Some Democrats have suggested the 25th Amendment as a theoretical response, though there is no active process underway. The 25th Amendment, proposed after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, outlines procedures for transferring presidential authority if a president is deemed unable to perform their duties.

Under Section 4, the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet must declare the president unfit, temporarily transferring power to the vice president. Congress can uphold or reject that transfer with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. The amendment has never been used to remove a sitting president against their will, though it has been invoked temporarily when presidents underwent medical procedures.

Some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Maxine Waters and Sen. Ed Markey, have publicly referenced the amendment in criticism of Trump’s leadership and policy direction. However, invoking the 25th Amendment remains highly unlikely, as it would require broad Cabinet and congressional support. At present, discussions surrounding it remain political commentary rather than an active constitutional process.