Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee and current Minnesota governor, took aim at former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Omaha, Nebraska, criticising his capacity to lead.
In the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election, Walz weighs in on Trump's age and fitness for office, amid reports that Trump is feeling "exhausted" on the campaign trail. Walz described Republican presidential nominee Trump as "rambling" during recent appearances, suggesting that he may no longer be up to the demands of the presidency.
He also implies that Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, could be president someday if Trump wins and is unfit to serve. "He's not up to it," Walz stated, adding that Vance, Trump's running mate ally, is "waiting in the wings" and could be positioning himself to act.
Walz referenced the 25th Amendment, which allows for the transfer of presidential powers to the vice president if the president is deemed unable to fulfill their duties. "You can be damn sure JD Vance has read the 25th Amendment," the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee remarked.
Walz raised alarms about the future of US institutions if Donald Trump secures a second term as president. Speaking at the rally, Walz said he is uncertain whether the nation's democratic structures would hold under another Trump presidency. Walz referenced recent comments by former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Mark Milley, who reportedly described Trump as "fascist to the core".
He also pointed to allegations that former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn was open to the idea of establishing military tribunals under a Trump presidency.
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution outlines the process for presidential succession and handling situations when the President is unable to perform their duties. If the President is removed, dies, or resigns, the Vice President immediately becomes President. The President can temporarily transfer power to the Vice President by declaring in writing their inability to perform duties, regaining power upon written declaration of recovery.
If the President is unable to declare their incapacity, the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can transfer presidential powers to the Vice President. If the President contests this, Congress decides the issue within 21 days. This Amendment ensures a clear and orderly transfer of executive power during emergencies or incapacitation.
