MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell has called for Vice President JD Vance to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from power, describing the former president's recent comments as "utter insanity."
During his program "The Last Word," O'Donnell stated, "This is not AI. This is really the current president of the United States."
O'Donnell pointed to remarks Trump made while campaigning in Kentucky, where he appeared to scrutinize the physical attributes of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted. Trump reportedly said, "I examined his ass, and then I looked at his shoulders. I looked at his feet, I looked at his hand. I looked at his jawline, studying." He added that he was "still recovering" after feeling Husted's shoulder, comments that echoed similar remarks made by Trump in Ohio earlier that week.
"This is madness. This is utter insanity," O'Donnell declared. "Yes, it’s silly, and yes, it’s easy to joke about, and it will be joked about forever, but it is also presidential madness. The man is president of the United States. He does not seem to know that, at times."
O'Donnell suggested that the Cabinet and Vance should initiate the 25th Amendment process. He posited that while Trump might try to dismiss such remarks as jokes when defending himself before Congress, lawmakers could use the opportunity to question him about other instances demonstrating his alleged unfitness for office.
The host also cited Trump's agreement to purchase diesel fuel from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently engaged in an invasion of Ukraine. O'Donnell characterized this as a move that would be considered treason if Trump had officially declared war against Iran, though he acknowledged legal definitions of treason might not apply in this instance due to the lack of a formal declaration of war.
O'Donnell argued that Trump's conduct, including his alleged "astonishingly unprecedented levels of corruption and repeatedly acting against the interests of the United States," warrants impeachment or removal via the 25th Amendment.
He also referenced past campaign promises, stating, "Now, remember, they promised to lower prices on day one. Instead, under the failed President Donald J. Trump, it costs more than ever in American history to fill up your truck, stock your fridge, visit the doctor or power your home."
"And so that’s how lost Donald Trump is in these final two weeks of the campaign — he’s talking about his candidate’s ass. That’s how lost the Republican Party is," O'Donnell concluded.