Since the storming of the Capitol there have been numerous calls to invoke the 25th Amendment against Trump. Section 4 of the 25th amendment allows for the removal of a president who “ is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer have been pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment.

According to NPR, it has also been talked about among some cabinet members. Pelosi and Schumer attempted to call Pence but were put on hold for 25 minutes and were told that the vice president would not speak with them.

The invocation of the 25th Amendment seems unlikely without the support of the vice president. Impeachment takes precedent over any other business in the Senate, but the Senate is adjourned until Jan. 19, and Biden’s inauguration is Jan. 20.

Impeachment would be a detriment to the United States government because it would delay confirmation of Biden’s cabinet. To delay a confirmation for Biden’s cabinet would leave him without essential members such as secretaries of defense. According to NPR, Biden stated that he’s focused on three issues — the coronavirus, vaccine distribution and the economy. He said the “quickest” way to get Trump out of office is for him and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to be sworn in and get to work.

A benefit of going through the impeachment process even though Trump will be out of office soon is so that the United States has the security that Trump will not run for a political office again. The Constitution, under Article I, Section 3, Clause 7, says that “judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.”

Others argue against impeachment saying that it would be detrimental to the citizens of the United States. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he reached out Friday to Biden “to lower the temperature.” McCarthy also tweeted “Impeaching the President with just 12 days left will only divide our country more.”

The impeachment of President Trump seems unlikely at this point due to the continued support for President Trump by many Republicans and the burden of proof needed for impeachment. Impeachment could deter the pacification of the nation, but it could also be the first step to make sure nothing like this happens again.

Lindsey Ulrey is a freshman political science major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].