A conservative research group has asked Speaker Mike Johnson to investigate claims that Democrats threatened to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Joe Biden if he did not step down from his re-election campaign. The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) sent a letter urging the House Judiciary and Oversight committees to look into the allegations of a “palace coup.”
The AAF’s request follows a report that suggested Democratic leaders pressured Biden to withdraw by threatening to use the 25th Amendment, which allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unfit for office. If true, the AAF argues, this would constitute an unprecedented power grab.
The Post published a report on Monday based on an anonymous source who alleged that Democratic Party officials threatened to use the 25th Amendment if Biden did not step aside. The report claimed that top Democrats were alarmed by Biden’s debate performance and questioned his mental fitness. In response to the pressure, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, stating, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”
The AAF contended that if Biden was coerced under the threat of the 25th Amendment, it would amount to extortion. The foundation urged Congress to investigate the matter thoroughly, using its powers to subpoena records and hold hearings.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has publicly denied any discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment, asserting that Biden was capable of fulfilling his duties. Despite this, the AAF remains concerned about potential private conversations.
Ironically, some Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, had suggested using the 25th Amendment against Biden following his debate performance. However, after Biden’s withdrawal, figures like former President Donald Trump have argued against invoking the amendment, fearing that Harris would be an even worse alternative.
