Key Takeaways

• Insiders were stunned when Trump praised Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office.
• Biographer Michael Wolff warned this moment could trigger 25th Amendment fears.
• A source said Trump looked like “a different guy” and “forgot who he is.”
• The White House fired back, calling Wolff’s claims “fabricated” and unfair.

25th Amendment Alarm Rings After Unexpected Meeting

Donald Trump’s recent Oval Office meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani took an unexpected turn. Initially set to be a tough encounter, the press conference left insiders whispering about the 25th Amendment. Biographer Michael Wolff said the president appeared unusually friendly. This slip triggered alarm bells among some aides and allies.

Unexpected Friendly Tone

The meeting began under tense skies. Trump planned to press Mamdani on policy. Yet during the conference, he shifted tone. Instead of criticism, he noted shared concerns on housing and safety. He even praised the Democratic socialist’s fresh ideas. As cameras rolled, many saw Trump nodding along. Observers expected a tough grilling. Instead, they saw a man seemingly won over.

Moreover, this change surprised key staffers. Wolff said an insider told him no one saw it coming. “This was not the script,” the source confessed. “The look in his eyes was crazy.” Ultimately, that moment fueled talk about the president’s fitness for office.

Wolff’s 25th Amendment Warning

On the Inside Trump’s Head podcast, Michael Wolff shared more details. He claimed a senior aide felt a “shiver” run through the West Wing. That reaction came from talk of the 25th Amendment. Wolff’s source said the only explanation was that Trump “forgot who he is.” In turn, it raised fears of invoking the amendment.

The 25th Amendment allows the vice president to step in if the president cannot serve. Under section four, the vice president and a majority of cabinet can declare the president unfit. Wolff believes staff may consider this move if such behavior returns. Therefore, his warning set a new tone in Washington.

How the 25th Amendment Works

Understanding the 25th Amendment helps explain why insiders fear it. First, it covers presidential death, resignation, or removal by impeachment. Second, it provides a way to temporarily transfer power. If the president feels unable to perform duties, he can hand over power. However, if the vice president and most cabinet officers see a problem, they can act. They inform Congress in writing and install the vice president as acting president.

In addition, the amendment aims to keep the government stable. It prevents a power vacuum if a leader becomes seriously ill or incapacitated. While seldom used, it played a role when President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery. Yet removing a president under section four has never happened. That’s why talk of it can spark intense debate.

White House Fires Back

After Wolff’s comments, the White House struck back hard. Communications Director Steven Cheung called Wolff a “lying sack of s**t.” He said Wolff’s claims come from “a sick and warped imagination.” Cheung claimed Wolff suffers from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” That harsh reply underlined how seriously the team views these rumors.

Still, Wolff stands by his report. He insists insiders saw a dramatic shift in Trump’s behavior. Moreover, he believes continued odd moments could fuel more internal unrest. Meanwhile, outside observers debate whether a single meeting can signal a deeper issue.

What Comes Next?

Observers are now watching for more unusual moments from Trump. If he again strays from expected scripts, talk of the 25th Amendment may grow louder. However, many still see this as a one-off slip. They warn against reading too much into a single press conference. Yet for those who work closely with a president, any sign of sudden change can spark concern. Thus, Washington remains on alert for the next twist.

FAQs

What triggered concerns about the 25th Amendment?

A friendly tone and unexpected praise from Trump toward mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani surprised insiders. This deviation led to talk of the 25th Amendment.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani is New York City’s newly elected mayor. He represents a progressive movement and identifies as a Democratic socialist.

What does the 25th Amendment do?

The 25th Amendment lets the vice president take over if the president cannot serve. It also allows temporary transfer of power if the president is unfit.

Could the 25th Amendment really be used here?

While insiders spoke of it, actually invoking the amendment requires the vice president and most cabinet members to agree. Such a step has never happened.