What happens if Trump becomes unable to discharge his duties?

Team Udayavani, Oct 3, 2020, 11:02 AM IST

US President Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19 and it has raised a host of questions about what happens if he becomes too sick to carry out his duties.

On Friday, he was experiencing “mild symptoms but if US President Donald Trump becomes seriously ill, incapacitated or unable to fill his duties during his term and his re-election campaign, the US Constitution spells out options for his replacement, temporary or otherwise.

As per the 25th Amendment of US’ Constitution, the Vice President becomes acting president if the President cannot discharge his duties. Section 3 of the amendment focuses on the president voluntarily handing over power temporarily. Under section 4, the decision is made by the president’s own team, by majority vote.

The President could declare in writing to the Speaker of the House and Senate’s president pro tempore stating the same. The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can also declare President as unable to discharge his duties.