Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have criticized the Democratic Party for what they perceive as a “coup” against President Joe Biden. The Ohio senator stated that if Biden isn’t fit to run for president, he shouldn’t be able to serve out the remainder of his term.
The Republican ticket commented on Biden’s seemingly declining condition and recent news of him not running for re-election during a Monday morning Fox News interview with “Primetime” host Jesse Watters. When asked if Biden stepping down from the election would constitute a “coup against corrupt Joe Biden,” Trump hesitated before replying, “Sort of.” Vance then chimed in, arguing that if Biden is not fit to run for president, he cannot serve as one.
Vance continued by emphasizing the need for a proper constitutional process, suggesting that if Democrats believe there are valid concerns about Biden’s mental capacity, they should invoke the 25th Amendment instead of finding ways that benefit their party politically. The interview took place on Saturday before news broke on Sunday that Biden had withdrawn from the 2024 general election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive new Democratic nominee.
In a separate statement, Vance expressed similar thoughts on social media hours before Biden’s announcement, stating that if the president isn’t fit to campaign, he shouldn’t be trusted to remain in office. He wrote, “Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief.
During the interview, Trump agreed with Watters when asked if he would investigate those who allegedly hid Joe Biden’s condition, including White House doctors who continue to provide positive assessments of his health.