California Governor Gavin Newsom ignited significant online backlash Thursday night after responding to President Donald Trump’s Election Integrity address. He suggested that it might be time to consider invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, citing what he described as cognitive impairment.
“The only thing missing from Trump’s speech was the tinfoil. It felt like a clear moment for the 25th Amendment—just the ramblings of a mad king,” Newsom remarked.
This call aligns with ongoing Democratic requests for an investigation into Trump’s cognitive fitness. However, it also raised questions about the seriousness with which concerns regarding Trump’s mental state are treated, especially given how Democrats previously dismissed similar worries regarding Joe Biden.
House Democrats have proposed a bill to utilize the 25th Amendment to oust President Trump.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, permits the Cabinet to assess whether the president is unfit for office and enables Congress to form an independent body for this purpose.
Some critics suggest that arguments for such measures were arguably more valid during the previous administration.
“You propped up images and deceived the American people for four years regarding cognitive decline, yet never brought up the 25th Amendment,” stated a Republican National Committee official in response, highlighting GOP doubts regarding Biden’s capability to lead at age 82.
“Considering Newsom has continuously praised Biden, regarding him as one of the greatest presidents, it seems some statements are overlooked,” commented FOX News contributor Joe Concha.
Additionally, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton asserted, “Trump was removed from office for revealing information about California that led to illegitimate voter registrations and potential threats from foreign powers.”
In his address, Trump claimed his administration had uncovered numerous vulnerabilities in election integrity.
He specifically mentioned documents that purportedly disclose foreign data breaches by China, longstanding governmental awareness of election vulnerabilities, and new evidence of “election fraud.” However, Fox News Digital has not been able to verify these document claims independently.
Newsom, along with many Democrats, expressed skepticism about the intentions behind Trump’s remarks, particularly as they came just four months ahead of the midterm elections.
‘Shadow government’: Trump alleges intelligence community is concealing Chinese interference.
“He’s trying to rig the 2026 election; he knows he’s going to lose—that’s the crux of the matter,” Newsom added.
Several Democrats quickly rallied to support Newsom’s statements on Thursday.
“Governor Newsom is right! We need to invoke the 25th Amendment after Trump’s unhinged speech tonight. He’s mentally unfit to be president,” tweeted Democratic influencer Harry Sisson. Rep. Yasamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) also echoed this sentiment, questioning who could refute the urgency of invoking the 25th Amendment in light of Trump’s statements.
This isn’t the first time Ansari has advocated for the 25th Amendment’s application; earlier this year, she joined others in pressing Congress to establish a collective to assess Trump’s cognitive status, which would include experts and former presidents.
“Trump has clearly experienced significant cognitive decline, and leaders across the political spectrum acknowledge this. He poses a national security risk,” Ansari remarked in April.
Newsom’s office has yet to comment on whether he supports Ansari’s bill.
Conversely, some conservatives have raised alarm over the potential fallout of invoking the 25th Amendment, suggesting it could lead to instability in the nation.
Trump’s age does not seem to draw the same level of scrutiny as Biden’s, lamented an Atlantic reporter.
Congressman Joe Patterson from California questioned, “Isn’t it ironic that he’s discussing election fraud while also calling for the president’s Cabinet to remove the elected president?” He added, “Seriously, think about that!”
