Congress has the power to stop Donald Trump from taking office if they take action quickly. According to the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, if someone has engaged in an insurrection—meaning they have tried to overthrow the government—they cannot be president or hold any office.
This rule is clear: anyone who took an oath to uphold the Constitution is disqualified if they helped enemies of the U.S. or committed acts of rebellion. To lift this ban, two-thirds of Congress must agree.
Many believe that Trump participated in an insurrection, especially during the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob attacked the Capitol. Trump was impeached for encouraging this insurrection, but he was not convicted because not enough senators voted to remove him.
During the chaos, Trump tried to get his vice president, Mike Pence, to reject Electoral College votes, something Pence could not legally do. While the attack was happening, Trump also seemed to cheer on the crowd chanting harmful things about Pence.
Democrats must make a move against Electoral College votes for someone who the Constitution says cannot serve, to defend their promise to support the Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Congress stop Trump from being President?
Yes, Congress can stop individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding office under the Constitution, but it requires a majority vote.
2. Will Congress act against Trump?
It’s unlikely because many Republicans may not want to take action that could help the Democrats.
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