Texas Democrats Broach Removing Trump From Office

For the moment, the frightening and dangerous scenario of a major world war has been staved off – potentially for two weeks. Still, for many Texas House Democrats, the last few days have cemented a clear objective: that President Trump must be removed from office. 

On Tuesday evening, the United States, Iran, and Israel announced a two-week “ceasefire” following the dramatic proclamation by President Trump that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” That earlier proclamation from Trump, made on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday morning, seemed to portend a major escalation with Iran, one that could even involve nuclear weapons. Notably, less than 24 hours after the announcement of the “ceasefire,” Iran said Israel was violating the terms over continued strikes in Lebanon.

Throughout Tuesday April 7 several Texas House Democrats called for Trump to be removed from office, through the 25th Amendment or impeachment. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that Trump’s actions were “threatening genocide and possible use of nuclear weapons against Iran.” He then said Trump was not fit to lead, and that the members of his Cabinet “must invoke the 25th Amendment immediately.”

The 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution outlines various scenarios if the President dies, resigns, or is removed from office. Section 4 of the amendment, which has never been utilized in the country’s history, specifically grants that the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet (principal officers of the Executive departments) could declare that the President is unable to discharge their duties. Under such a scenario, the Vice President would assume the presidency. 

Castro was not the only Texas House Democrat to invoke the 25th Amendment. Reps. Julie Johnson, Sylvia Garcia, Veronica Escobar, and Jasmine Crockett all mentioned the 25th Amendment in their reactions to Trump’s actions. Crockett also addressed a letter directly to Vice President Vance. She called on him, the Cabinet, and Congress to formally declare Trump “unfit to discharge the powers and duties mandated by this Constitution.”

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, while critical of President Trump and in favor of his removal from office, noted that invoking the 25th Amendment would require the participation of the Vice President, and the Cabinet. Doggett mentioned Impeachment as the only congressional remedy, but that would still require action from Republicans.

Rep. John Larson of Connecticut filed Articles of Impeachment relating to the latest events surrounding the War in Iran on Monday. The resolution by Larson was co-drafted by lawyer and presidential candidate Ralph Nader.  Texas Congressman has previously filed multiple impeachment resolutions against President Trump, most recently in December 2025.

Criticism of the president from members of Congress was also not strictly based on a partisan divide, even in Texas. Republican Rep. Nathaniel Moran issued a statement saying he did not support the “destruction of a ‘whole civilization.’” He also said that ethos was not “consistent with the principles that have long guided America.” Moran has represented CD-1 since 2023, after Louie Gohmert announced he would leave Congress to run for Texas Attorney General.

As the news of the “ceasefire” reverberated around the world, President Trump continued a pattern of erratic behavior. He threatened CNN on his social media account for posting what he called a “false statement” from Iran. However, that statement which outlines the terms of the ceasefire, is authentic. The current negotiations between the United States and Iran involve a ten-point plan, which includes Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz (which they did not have prior to the war).

On Wednesday April 8, Rep. Julie Johnson reiterated her calls for the Cabinet to remove Trump from office. Democrats in Congress are also expected to try and pass a war powers authorization, which will likely be blocked by Republicans. At the moment, the U.S. House is not in session; and not expected back until April 14.