In a move showing growing splits within the conservative group, Scott McConnell, the founder of The American Conservative, has openly asked Vice President JD Vance to start a power change using the 25th Amendment.
The high-risk idea, shared on social media on Sunday, suggests that Vance take over as president and choose a Democrat as his new vice president to help keep the country stable during a big conflict in the Middle East.
A Bold Plan for Change
McConnell’s idea is clear and includes both parties.
He wants Vance to pick Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) as his new vice president, calling Murphy an “antiwar Democrat” who is “smart and not too far left.” To show he isn’t trying to take over, McConnell told Vance to say he won’t run for president again in 2028.
“Use your position and your media access to explain why this is needed,” McConnell wrote, saying Vance should stay in his job instead of quitting in protest.
Growing Worries About the Leader’s Fitness and Plans
This call for change comes after a time of rising international tension.
Since President Trump came back to the White House in January 2025—making him the oldest person to ever be president—questions about his mental state and decision-making have gone from being a small issue to a big topic in politics.
The administration’s decision to carry out joint attacks with Israel against Iran in February has been the main reason for these concerns.
While 81% of MAGA supporters back the attacks, a recent POLITICO/Public First poll shows only 43% of regular voters support the military action.
Also, the poll showed that the president’s main supporters are determined: 58% of MAGA Republicans believe the U.S. must achieve its goals in Iran even if it means losing American lives.
The 25th Amendment
The 25th Amendment, passed in 1967, gives the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet the power to declare a president unable to do their job.
While it was originally meant for cases of physical inability, part four of the amendment has been used more often by critics to address concerns about mental or behavioral issues.
Vance has not directly criticized the president’s war plan, recently telling reporters he would not share secret Situation Room meetings to avoid legal problems and to protect executive rights.
A History of Calls for Removal
McConnell’s request is part of a trend of disagreement from different sides.
Throughout 2025 and early 2026, major Democrats have used the amendment to respond to various actions by the administration:
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) said the removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve was a threat to the economy.
Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) raised concerns about Trump’s mental health after troops were sent to U.S. cities for immigration control.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) called the president “mentally ill” after suggestions of taking over Greenland.
Neither the White House nor the Vice President’s team has officially replied to McConnell’s comments.
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