In a surprising move signaling growing divisions within the conservative movement, Scott McConnell, the founding editor of The American Conservative, has called on Vice President JD Vance to use the 25th Amendment to take over the presidency.
McConnell’s proposal, issued on Sunday via social media, urges Vance to step into the role of president and appoint Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) as vice president to stabilize a nation dealing with ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A Bold and Bipartisan Proposal
McConnell’s plan is designed to be both specific and bipartisan. He suggested Vance should name Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator, as his successor. McConnell described Murphy as an “antiwar Democrat” who is “smart and not super woke.” To assure critics of any power grab, McConnell advised Vance to pledge that he will not run for president in 2028.
“Use your position, access to the media to explain why this is necessary,” McConnell wrote, emphasizing that Vance should remain in office rather than resigning in protest.
Growing Concerns Over Trump’s Mental Fitness and Strategy
McConnell’s call comes amid heightened concerns about President Trump’s mental fitness and leadership strategy. Since his return to the White House in January 2025, Trump, the oldest person ever to hold the office, has faced questions about his ability to make sound executive decisions.
The administration’s decision to launch joint strikes with Israel against Iran in February 2026 is seen as a major catalyst for the mounting criticism. While these military actions have the support of 81% of MAGA voters, a recent poll by POLITICO shows that only 43% of the general American electorate backs the strikes.
The poll also revealed a stark reality among MAGA Republicans: 58% of them believe the U.S. should push forward in Iran even at the cost of American lives.
The 25th Amendment Framework
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, provides a legal way for the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president “unable to discharge the powers and duties” of his office.
Historically used to address physical incapacitation, Section 4 of the amendment has increasingly been invoked to address concerns over mental or behavioral unfitness. While JD Vance has avoided direct criticism of the President’s war strategy, he has previously stated that he would not discuss private Situation Room conversations due to legal concerns and the need to protect executive privilege.
A Pattern of Dissent and Calls for Removal
McConnell’s call joins a growing chorus of dissent from across the political spectrum. Over the course of 2025 and early 2026, several prominent Democrats have cited the 25th Amendment to criticize the President’s actions:
- Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) raised concerns about the removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve and its potential threat to economic stability.
- Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) questioned Trump’s mental health following the deployment of troops to U.S. cities for immigration enforcement.
- Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) labeled the President as “mentally ill” after his renewed suggestions of annexing Greenland.
