A sitting U.S. senator has publicly called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office, igniting one of the most explosive constitutional debates in recent memory.

The remarks came during a nationally televised interview, where the lawmaker argued that the country faces what they described as a “serious leadership crisis.” The senator stopped short of detailing specific internal discussions but insisted that constitutional remedies exist for “extraordinary circumstances.”

The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, outlines procedures for replacing or temporarily sidelining a president who is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office. Section 4 of the amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unfit, triggering a transfer of authority. The full text of the amendment is available through the National Archives.

Historically, that provision has never been successfully used to remove a president against their will. It has, however, been temporarily invoked in limited medical situations, most recently during brief procedural transfers of power.

The senator’s call comes amid heightened partisan tensions and renewed scrutiny of executive decision-making. Supporters of the proposal argue that the Constitution provides clear guardrails for moments when leadership is questioned. Critics say such calls risk inflaming political divisions and weaponizing constitutional tools.

Trump allies swiftly condemned the statement, calling it “reckless” and “politically motivated.” Several lawmakers aligned with the former president said there is no legal or medical basis to justify such an action and described the push as an attempt to undermine voters.