By the time the courts order him to cease whatever unconstitutional effort he's making to remain in office, the election may be over. Or he'll just ignore the courts.
It's almost too late for an impeachment. Besides, no president has ever been sent packing. Richard Nixon resigned because he saw it coming. Trump would sooner start a civil war.
Also, being unstable is not an impeachable offense.
Two Republicans who have announced primary challenges to Trump have suggested another possibility: the 25th Amendment.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld recently tweeted that Trump is "a clear and present danger" to the U.S., adding the hashtag "#25thAmendment." Former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh says the amendment should be "looked at."
Last February, former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe said officials in the Department of Justice had discussed using the 25th.
Ratified in 1967, the 25th Amendment allows the vice president to become "acting president" when "the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or such other body as Congress may by law" declare a president incapacitated.
The only attribute Vice President Mike Pence has displayed so far is sycophancy. The most recent illustration: overr-nighting at Trump's golf resort in Ireland. But with rumors flying that Trump might exchange Pence for another lapdog, who knows? Maybe Pence will discover some cojones.
Another problem: the 25th Amendment doesn't define who "principal officers" are, and the Constitution never mentions the word "Cabinet." If Trump thought a revolt was brewing, he'd fire everyone instantly.
I wouldn't completely rule out the use of the 25th Amendment, but the only thing that's going to get Pence and a majority of Trump's lieutenants to pull the plug before Trump pulls it on them may be so horrific that the damage done to America and the world would be way beyond anything we've experienced to date.
Which is to say, be careful what you wish for.
Pray that we make it through the next 14 months. Then, do everything in your power to remove this man from office.
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