Jamie Raskin Proposes Commission to Evaluate Donald Trump's Fitness

Representative Jamie Raskin and approximately 85 Democratic co-sponsors introduced legislation on April 14, 2026, to establish a 17-member independent commission tasked with evaluating whether President Donald Trump is fit to discharge the powers and duties of his office. The proposed Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office would assess physical health, mental capacity, and substance use, utilizing Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to potentially transfer power to the vice president.

Raskin cited national security concerns following a series of erratic actions by the president, including threats to annihilate Iran and its population, public clashes with Pope Leo XIV, and the posting of AI-generated images of himself as Jesus Christ. As part of the effort, Raskin requested that White House Physician Captain Sean Barbabella conduct a full cognitive and neurological evaluation of the president.

The proposal has drawn support from some former Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, who characterized threats against entire civilizations as evil. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Democrats have ruled nothing out regarding removal efforts. However, legal experts suggest the bill faces significant hurdles, as it requires passage through a Republican-controlled Congress and must overcome a presidential veto to become law.