By Blessing Nweke
Dozens of congressional Democrats called for Donald Trump to be removed from office Tuesday after he used extreme rhetoric against Iran, including a threat to wipe out “a whole civilization.”
More than 70 lawmakers, including several senators, said Trump’s Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution to declare him unfit, while others urged Congress to pursue impeachment.
Sen. Ed Markey said lawmakers must “return to session” and act swiftly, either by passing articles of impeachment or by working with the vice president and Cabinet to remove the president. Sen. Chris Murphy backed the call, saying no rational leader would threaten the destruction of an entire civilization. Rep. Ro Khanna described the remarks as a potential violation of both the Constitution and international law.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump’s remarks came in a social media post warning that Iran faced catastrophic consequences if it failed to meet a U.S.-imposed deadline. The comments drew criticism beyond Democratic circles, with some Republicans also expressing concern.
The United Nations issued a reminder that “wars have rules,” referencing the Geneva Conventions. Secretary-General António Guterres said no military objective could justify widespread destruction or harm to civilians.
Less than 90 minutes before the deadline, Trump announced a two-week suspension of U.S. attacks and described the situation as a “double-sided” ceasefire. Still, critics such as Rep. Seth Moulton insisted the president had already committed an impeachable offense.
Trump, who was impeached twice during his first term and acquitted both times, has previously warned he could face a third impeachment if political control of Congress shifts.
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