Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) has sparked controversy with a video that appears to show him suggesting Congress will disqualify President Donald Trump if he wins the 2024 election, potentially leading to civil unrest. Speaking at a voter rights event, Raskin referenced the Fourteenth Amendment and a possible Congressional move on January 6, 2025.
Raskin’s comments follow a Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s attempt to disqualify Trump using the Fourteenth Amendment, leaving Congress with the final say. In the video, Raskin says, “They want to kick it to Congress, so it’s going to be up to us on January 6th, 2025, to tell the rampaging Trump mobs that he’s disqualified, and then we need bodyguards for everybody and civil conditions.”
The legitimacy of the video, originally posted on YouTube in February, is supported by high-resolution footage and consistent lip-syncing. Republican figures, including Chip Roy, have reacted strongly to Raskin’s statements.
Raskin’s rhetoric has been criticized for its potential to incite division. His description of Trump supporters as “rampaging mobs” and the suggestion of needing bodyguards underscore the high stakes of disqualifying a candidate post-election.
These remarks have prompted discussions about the balance of power and the role of Congress in electoral disputes. As the 2024 election approaches, Raskin’s comments are likely to fuel further debate on the integrity and stability of the democratic process.
