The NAACP has taken an extraordinary step, calling for the removal of Donald Trump through the 25th Amendment — the first time in the group’s history it has made such a demand.
The call comes amid growing concern over Trump’s recent statements and behavior, which critics say raise questions about judgment, stability, and the potential consequences for national and global security.
Among the types of statements raising concern are several recent posts and remarks that have drawn widespread attention. In one Easter message — which the NAACP did reference — Trump wrote:
“Happy Easter to everyone, including the Radical Left Lunatics… who are trying to destroy our Country… May they rot in hell.”
In another post tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East, he warned:
“Open the f***ing Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in hell — JUST WATCH! … Praise be to Allah.”
And in a separate statement about Iran, he declared:
“A whole civilization will die tonight.”
Critics argue that this type of language — particularly when directed at foreign nations — risks inflaming tensions and could have real-world consequences far beyond political rhetoric.
The NAACP has also pointed to what it describes as a broader pattern, including reports of verbal slip-ups, slurred speech, moments of confusion, and falling asleep during meetings. The organization says these concerns go beyond politics and speak to the president’s ability to carry out the responsibilities of the office.
This week, Trump released an AI-generated image widely perceived to depict him as Jesus laying hands on and healing someone. About the photo, released shortly after a post in which Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV, Trump said the image was meant to portray him as a doctor.
In a recent prayer, the pope warned of what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” — a mindset in which leaders see themselves as beyond accountability. While he did not name Trump directly, many observers interpreted the remarks to reflect his belief that Trump’s actions are driven by a belief that his power is unlimited, rather than by dementia or a lack of stability. No matter the why, there appears to be a growing concern about the potential consequences of the president’s actions.
Calls to invoke the 25th Amendment are not entirely new. Similar discussions surfaced after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and during Trump’s continued claims of widespread voter fraud following his 2020 election loss. However, most of those efforts remained limited to individual lawmakers, commentators, and smaller advocacy groups.
What makes the NAACP’s call different is its size, history, and influence. As one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights organizations, its statement could signal a shift — especially as Trump’s rhetoric continues to escalate.
Still, invoking the 25th Amendment would be extraordinarily difficult.
Ratified in 1967, the amendment allows a president to be removed from power if the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet determine the president is unable to perform the duties of the office. In that case, the vice president — currently J.D. Vance — would assume the role of acting president.
The president can contest that decision, triggering a vote in Congress, where a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate would be required to uphold the removal.
In practical terms, that means any effort would have to begin with Trump’s own inner circle — the very people most politically aligned with him.
For now, the NAACP’s call stands as a warning — one that raises a difficult question: whether growing concerns about rhetoric and behavior will remain isolated criticism, or build into something more.
