Democrats Propose Commission to Assess Trump's Mental Fitness Under 25th Amendment
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has introduced a bill that provides his party with a strategic framework to compel President Donald Trump, aged 79, to undergo a mental fitness examination. The legislation aims to establish a commission to evaluate the President's capacity to serve, invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which outlines procedures for presidential removal due to incapacity.
Bill Details and Support
Raskin's office released the bill's text on Tuesday, and it has already garnered co-sponsorship from 50 additional Democratic members of the House of Representatives. This move follows Raskin's public request last week to Trump's physician, Captain Sean P. Barbabella, urging him to conduct a cognitive assessment of the President.
In a letter dated April 10, Raskin wrote, 'Experts have repeatedly warned that the President has been exhibiting signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline.' He further stated, 'And in recent days, the country has watched President Trump's public statements and outbursts turn increasingly incoherent, volatile, profane, deranged, and threatening.'
Examples of Concerning Behavior
The Maryland Democrat highlighted specific incidents to support his claims:
- Trump's profane tirade against Iranian leaders on Easter morning, where he told them, 'Open the F***in' Strait, you crazy b******s,' before praising 'Allah.'
- Trump's behavior at the White House Easter Egg Roll, where he delivered a graphic update on Iran war developments to an audience that included children.
- Apparent health challenges, such as bruising on Trump's hand, which the White House attributes to aspirin use and frequent handshaking.
Trump's most recent physical examination was conducted in April of last year, with additional advanced imaging requested by Barbabella in December for preventative purposes, according to the White House doctor.
Commission Structure and Function
Raskin's bill proposes a bipartisan commission composed of 16 members:
- Two appointees each selected by the House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.
- Four former high-ranking executive branch officials, such as vice presidents or ex-Cabinet members, appointed by Democrats.
- Four similar officials appointed by Republicans.
- An additional chairperson chosen by the 16 commissioners.
The commission's primary role would be to 'carry out a medical examination of the President to determine whether the President is mentally or physically unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office.'
Political Context and Challenges
The bill faces significant hurdles, as it is unlikely to advance unless Democrats gain control of Congress after the November midterm elections. Even then, it could be obstructed by a Senate filibuster. However, it draws attention to Trump's recent conduct and echoes past concerns about mental competency in leadership, notably referencing former President Joe Biden, who withdrew from his reelection bid in July 2024 amid similar fears.
Trump, who is older than Biden was during his presidency, began his second term in January 2025. The White House has emphasized a contrast between the two, with spokesperson Davis Ingle stating, 'Lightweight Jamie Raskin is a stupid person's idea of a smart person.' Ingle added, 'President Trump's sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration when Democrats like Raskin intentionally covered up Joe Biden's serious mental and physical decline from the American people.'
Since Raskin's initial letter, Trump has further engaged his supporters by reposting an image depicting him as Jesus, which he described to reporters as portraying him as a 'doctor making people feel better.'
