With the breaking news that Elaine Chao is resigning her post as Secretary of Transportation, I can't help but think that it is an empty gesture at best, and a cowardly avoidance of participating in invoking the 25th Amendment at worst.
It is my understanding that in order to invoke the 25th, Vice President Pence would need to receive a majority vote from all cabinet members. That is made more difficult when one or more cabinet member(s) that clearly recognize the danger that Trump's mental instability poses resign from their post.
I understand that there is just 13 more days until Biden is sworn in, but the events of the past few days have established that the safety and security of our Democracy necessitates the removal of Trump from power lest he cause more chaos. The Republican party needs to send a clear message to their supporters that this kind of behavior will not stand, and attempts to overthrow democratically elected leaders will be met with quick and harsh punishments.
EDIT
To address some commonly suggested things:
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Pence does have to agree to the 25th, but does not have to initiate it. A majority of the cabinet going public with their support would/could likely persuade him to get on board, especially people like DeVos or Mnuchin who have the kinds of networks he would need to stay in politics after all this.
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In terms of procedure, yes Congress would have to agree. However, once the VP and cabinet agree, Trump would have his presidential powers limited/removed until the votes potentially knock down the 25th, which could take up to 21 days.
2nd EDIT
Avoid the whataboutism. I keep seeing people try to equate these riots to the BLM protests that devolved into looting. These are not very similar circumstances. With the BLM protests, nearly all of the violence was initiated by police. In the Capitol, the police allowed the protestors turned rioters to storm the capital, moving barriers for them and were subsequently rewarded with one of their officers being beaten to death.
##Executive Orders
###Regulation
Directs OMB director to develop recommendations to modernize regulatory review and undoes Trump's regulatory approval process; subjects rules made in Trump’s final days to review
###Ethics
Requires executive branch appointees to sign an ethics pledge barring them from acting in personal interest and requiring them to uphold the independence of the Department of Justice
###Equity
Prevents workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity
Rescinds the Trump administration's 1776 Commission, directs agencies to review their actions to ensure racial equity
Reverses the Trump administration's ban on transgender Americans joining the military
###Economy
Extends the existing pause on student loan payments and interest for Americans with federal student loans until at least September 30
Calls for assistance to those who are struggling to buy food, missed out on stimulus checks, or are unemployed. Extends the existing nationwide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until at least March 31.
Restores collective bargaining power and worker protections for federal workers, and lays the foundation for $15 minimum wage
[Str
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