Vice President Mike Pence formally replied in writing to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) at 8 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 12) that he disagreed with Democrats’ call to follow the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office.
He wrote: “Now, with only eight days left in the (Trump) presidency, you and the Democratic Caucus are asking the Cabinet and me to invoke the 25th Amendment. I do not believe that such an action is in the best interest of our country or our Constitution.”
Pence added, “Last week, I did not cave in to pressure to exercise my authority beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election, and now I will not cave in to the House’s efforts to play political games at such a serious time in our nation’s life.”
He called on Democratic and Republican members of Congress to avoid actions that would further divide and inflame the public mood of the moment. “As we prepare for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden as the next president of the United States, let’s work together to (cool down the situation) and bring our country together.” Pence said.
Below is a translation of Pence’s full response to Pelosi.
Every American was shocked and saddened by last week’s attack on the Capitol, and I thank you and other congressional leaders for your leadership in reconvening Congress that day and getting the people’s business done. It was a moment that showed the American people that Congress can still be united when it needs to be united the most.
But now, with only eight days left in the presidency, you and the Democratic Caucus are asking the Cabinet and me to invoke the 25th Amendment. I do not believe that such an action is in the best interest of our country or our Constitution. Last week, I did not yield to pressure to exercise my authority beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election, and I will not yield now to the House’s efforts to play political games at such a serious time in the life of our nation.
As you well know, the 25th Amendment was designed to address the incapacity or inability of the President to act. Just a few months ago, when you introduced legislation to create a 25th Amendment committee, you said, “The fitness of the president for office must be determined by science and facts.” You said at the time that we must “be very respectful and not make judgments based on comments or actions that we don’t like, but based on medical decisions.” Madam Speaker, you are correct. Under our Constitution, the 25th Amendment is not a means of punishment or appropriation. Invoking the 25th Amendment in this manner would set a terrible precedent.
In the wake of last week’s horrific events, our government’s energies are focused on ensuring an orderly transition. The Bible says, “There is a time for everything, a time for everything under the sun …… a time to heal and …… a time to build up.” That time is now. In the wake of a global pandemic, millions of Americans in economic hardship and the tragic events of January 6, now is the time for us to come together, now is the time to heal.
I urge that you and every member of Congress avoid actions that will further divide and inflame the public mood of the moment. As we prepare for the inauguration of President-elect Biden as the next president of the United States, let’s work together to (cool the situation) and bring our country together. I assure you that I will continue to do everything in my power to work in good faith with the incoming administration to ensure an orderly transition of power. May God help me.”
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