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Several Michigan lawmakers call for President Trump to be removed by 25th Amendment

Posted at 5:25 AM, Jan 07, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-07 16:35:24-05

(WXYZ) — Several Michigan lawmakers are calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office and his Cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment after violent protests at the Capitol Building on Wednesday afternoon.

Related: Reports: Cabinet members talk about invoking the 25th amendment. How the process works

Speaking to 7 Action News, Rep. Andy Levin from Michigan's 9th Congressional District, said Trump should be removed.

"I think we need to invoke the 25th amendment, I think his time is up. He abdicated the role of the presidency today, first of all, he unleashed a mob to disrupt democracy," Levin said.

Three other Democrat representatives who represent Southeast Michigan are calling for Trump to be removed.

"I encourage those with the authority to invoke the 25th Amendment to exercise that power. This President must be removed to preserve our democracy and protect our national security. I continue to pray for all Americans tonight," Rep. Haley Stevens from Michigan's 11th Congressional District tweeted on Wednesday night.

Rep. Brenda Lawrence from the 14th district also tweeted tweeted a statement.

I cannot fulfill my duties as a Member of Congress if I do not stand up and call for the removal of Donald Trump from office to save our country. The Vice President and Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment, or Congress should impeach and remove the President," she tweeted. "Our country is in danger with Trump as President. It’s the responsibility of this Congress to protect the people of this great country and the Constitution."

Rep. Rashida Tlaib joined in saying that Trump should be impeached and removed.

"This is on Donald Trump, period. He called folks to D.C. and gave them marching orders. He needs to be impeached and removed immediately," she tweeted.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell issued the following statement in a tweet:

"Donald Trump incited an invasion of the United States Capitol. The Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment today. If they do not, Congress should be prepared to begin impeachment proceedings."

Additionally, U.S. Senator Gary Peters called for Trump to be removed from office.

The President violated his oath of office and incited a violent attack on our Capitol and democracy. He poses a clear and present danger to the American people and our national security. He should immediately be removed from office. I stand with many others – including the National Association of Manufacturers – in supporting the Vice President and Cabinet invoking the 25th Amendment.

The 25th Amendment to the Constitution was passed by Congress in 1965 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It states that "In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President."

It also allows for the Vice President and a majority of the president's cabinet to vote to remove the president if they believe the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office.

On Wednesday, several media outlets reported there were discussions among cabinet leaders to invoke the 25th amendment.

Thousands of violent protesters descended on the Capitol Building on Wednesday afternoon as Congress gathered to certify Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. They overtook the Capitol and halted the session for hours.

Congress resumed the session at 8 p.m. and just before 3:45 a.m. Thursday, Biden was declared the winner of the election.