What’s ‘Wrong’ with Trump? Waters Pushes for 25th Amendment Probe.

A political storm is brewing in Washington, D.C., over concerns about presidential fitness for office. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) has publicly called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to assess President Donald Trump’s capacity to serve, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the White House and its critics. This demand is rooted in President Trump’s recent controversial decision to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, an action that has been widely condemned by Democrats as an attack on the independence of the nation’s financial institutions.

Waters’ Call for 25th Amendment Probe

The catalyst for this latest controversy was President Trump’s removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on Monday, August 25, 2025. According to Representative Waters, speaking on MSNBC’s “The Weeknight” on Friday, August 29, 2025, it is “time to call for Article [Amendment] 25 of the Constitution of the United States of America to determine his unfitness, to determine that something’s wrong with this president.”

Waters’ assertion directly challenges the President’s judgment and raises serious questions about his motivations. Her remarks reflect a growing unease among Democrats regarding President Trump’s executive actions, particularly his approach to the Federal Reserve. The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, addresses presidential disability and succession. Section 4 of the amendment allows for the removal of a president from office if the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet determine that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

The Cook Controversy and Allegations of Misconduct

President Trump justified his decision to remove Lisa Cook by alleging that she misrepresented mortgage information. However, Waters and other Democratic figures, such as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, have dismissed this rationale as a pretext for exerting undue influence over the Federal Reserve. Waters has gone so far as to accuse President Trump of acting like a “dictator who is trying to control the entire economy,” suggesting that his actions are driven by a desire for personal gain rather than the best interests of the nation.

The independence of the Federal Reserve is considered a cornerstone of the U.S. financial system, insulating monetary policy from political interference. Critics of President Trump’s actions fear that his attempts to manipulate the Federal Reserve could destabilize the economy and undermine investor confidence. The allegations of misconduct have further fueled the debate over the President’s fitness for office and intensified calls for a thorough investigation.

Legal and Political Fallout

The removal of Lisa Cook has triggered a legal battle that is likely to escalate to the highest levels of the U.S. judicial system. Cook has filed a lawsuit seeking a restraining order to retain her position, arguing that her removal lacked the “for cause” standard required for a Federal Reserve governor. This legal challenge is anticipated to reach the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a potentially landmark ruling on the limits of presidential power over independent agencies.

Politically, Waters’ demand for a 25th Amendment probe has further polarized the political landscape. While her supporters argue that her concerns about the potential danger to American democracy and the economy are legitimate, her critics have accused her of engaging in partisan attacks. Some have pointed to what they perceive as her past silence on the mental fitness of President Joe Biden, suggesting that her current concerns are politically motivated. This accusation highlights the deep partisan divisions that continue to plague American politics and complicate efforts to address critical issues facing the nation.

Partisan Divide on Presidential Fitness

The issue of presidential fitness has become increasingly politicized in recent years, with both Democrats and Republicans using it as a tool to attack their opponents. Accusations of mental decline or instability have become commonplace, often based on anecdotal evidence or selective interpretations of public statements. This trend has eroded public trust in political institutions and made it more difficult to have a rational and informed debate about the qualifications of those seeking the highest office in the land.

The Broader Implications of the 25th Amendment Debate

The debate over the 25th Amendment raises fundamental questions about the balance of power between the executive branch and independent institutions. The Federal Reserve, as an independent agency, is designed to operate free from political interference. However, the President’s actions have challenged this principle and raised concerns about the potential for future abuses of power.

The outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching implications for the future of American democracy and the stability of the U.S. economy. If the Supreme Court upholds President Trump’s decision to remove Lisa Cook, it could embolden future presidents to exert greater control over independent agencies, potentially undermining their ability to function effectively. Conversely, if the Court rules against the President, it would send a clear message that the independence of these institutions must be protected from political interference.

The situation underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic norms and institutions. The events surrounding President Trump’s actions and the subsequent call for a 25th Amendment probe serve as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the need for constant vigilance in protecting it from those who would seek to undermine it.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding President Trump’s removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and Representative Waters’ subsequent call for a 25th Amendment probe has ignited a fierce debate over presidential power and fitness. The legal and political battles that have ensued highlight the deep partisan divisions in American politics and the ongoing struggle to maintain the balance of power between the executive branch and independent institutions. The outcome of this conflict will have profound implications for the future of American democracy and the stability of the U.S. economy, underscoring the need for vigilance in protecting democratic norms and institutions.