A conservative watchdog group has called on Speaker Mike Johnson to investigate claims that Democrats pressured President Joe Biden to step down under the threat of invoking the 25th Amendment. The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) sent a letter to Johnson, urging the House Judiciary and Oversight committees to probe allegations of a “palace coup” against Biden.
The AAF cited a report alleging that Democratic leaders threatened to use the 25th Amendment if Biden, 81, did not suspend his campaign. This amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unable to perform his duties, thus replacing him with the vice president.
“If the Vice President and members of the cabinet pressured President Biden to suspend his campaign under the threat of invoking the twenty-fifth amendment, it would represent one of the most consequential seizures of power in American government history,” the AAF wrote in its letter.
In a report by The Post, it was claimed that Democratic Party leaders pressured Biden to step aside, fearing his declining mental acuity and debate performance could jeopardize their chances in the upcoming election. Biden eventually endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. In a primetime address, Biden stated, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”
Despite the public statements, the AAF is concerned about private discussions and potential extortion. The foundation emphasized that such actions would be unprecedented and urged Congress to investigate thoroughly. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen denied any such discussions, stating that the president was effective in his duties.
Ironically, some Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, had previously suggested invoking the 25th Amendment against Biden. However, following Biden’s withdrawal, former President Donald Trump and his allies have opposed such moves, arguing that Harris would be a worse alternative.
