Calls to invoke the 25th Amendment are resurfacing after a tense exchange in which President Donald Trump criticized European leaders amid ongoing debate over Greenland and U.S. pressure tactics.
Section 4 of the 25th Amendment allows the vice president and a majority of Cabinet members to declare a president unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, temporarily transferring authority.
During remarks to reporters, Trump was asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited to join the newly created “Board of Peace,” a body described as overseeing the next phase of a Gaza peace plan.
Trump replied: “Yup, he’s been invited.”
A reporter then asked about French President Emmanuel Macron’s reported decision not to participate. Trump responded with a personal jab and threatened steep tariffs targeting French exports, saying: “Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office first. So that’s alright. What I’ll do, if they feel hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join.”
The exchange quickly drew reaction online. After a clip circulated on X, the MeidasTouch account commented: “If this isn’t a 25th Amendment moment, then what is?”
Separately, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia was “studying the details” of the invitation and would seek clarification on “all the nuances” through discussions with U.S. officials. Trump later reiterated that Putin had been invited.
According to the report, other entities and countries said to have received invitations include Russia, Belarus, Slovenia, Thailand, and the European Union’s executive branch. The total number of invitees has not been publicly confirmed, and questions have been raised about how the board would operate and how decisions would be made.
It is also unclear how Israel would view a body tasked with executing a ceasefire arrangement that directly affects it.
One invitation letter reportedly described the board as pursuing “a bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” language that some observers interpreted as positioning it as an alternative to existing international frameworks such as the U.N. Security Council.
A French official close to Macron, speaking anonymously in line with standard French presidency practices, said France does not intend to join “at this stage,” citing concerns about alignment with the principles and structure of the United Nations.
Belarus’ Foreign Ministry said President Alexander Lukashenko is prepared to participate. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it received an invitation and is reviewing details.
European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would consult with other EU leaders regarding Gaza. Gill did not confirm whether any invitation was accepted, but said the commission wants “to contribute to a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.”
