What If Trump Is Down With Covid-19?

Article by Suman M Published on: 7:00 pm, 3 October 2020

US President testing positive for Covid-19 just a month ahead of the presidential elections is causing anxiety among the Republic party members. Now, there are doubts over Trump’s participation in the Presidential debates, which are considered a crucial part of the elections.

There is a feeling among many that Trump’s negligent attitude towards following precautions against the spread of Coronavirus has caused the infection. Trump is 74 and overweight, putting him in the vulnerable category. During the election campaigns, Trump ridiculed the idea of wearing masks and observing physical distancing during his election rallies.

During the first presidential debate held in Cleveland recently, Trump made fun of Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden for wearing ‘biggest’ mask even when Biden was
200 ft away from the next person. ‘I don’t wear masks like him,’ said Trump derisively.

Further, Trump delivered his acceptance speech on the White House lawns last month with more than a 1,000 mask-less supporters sitting in close proximity.

Trump, who is in a healthy condition as of now, was admitted to the Walter Reed Hospital basing on the doctors’ suggestions. Sources in the White House said that Trump, who is active now, would discharge duties from the hospital without disruption.

However, political analysts raised a debate over the worst-case scenario. What would happen if Trump’s health condition deteriorates? Who would act as his replacement? Does the US Constitution have such feasibility?

In such a case, Vice President Mike Pence would act as the President temporarily. In 1963, after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, an amendment was made in the Constitution in 1967.

As per the 25th amendment, under Section 3, the President can hand over the charges to the Vice President if he cannot discharge them.

In 1985, Ronald Regan handed over the charge to Vice President Senior George Bush for 8 hours, in 2002 and 2007, Junior Bush gave his powers to Vice President Dick Cheney for two hours at both the times.

Once the President recovers from the illness, he can begin discharging duties again. In case, both the President and the Vice President are unavailable to exercise their powers, there is provision for the Speaker of the US House of Representatives to carry on the administration temporarily.

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