![Rod Rosenstein discussed using the 25th Amendment with Justice Department officials. [Image source: Clker-Free-Vector-Images - Pixabay]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/9/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/an-illustration-of-the-seal-of-the-us-department-of-justice-image-via-clker-free-vector-images-pixabay_2102279.jpg "Rod Rosenstein discussed using the 25th Amendment with Justice Department officials. [Image source: Clker-Free-Vector-Images - Pixabay]")
The relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has had its ups and downs. Despite appointing Rosenstein to the position himself, Trump has often viewed him as an enemy. Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller to investigate possible collaborations between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. As such, he drew Trump's ire. Though there have been some signs of improvement of relations between the two, a new report is not likely to be helpful.
Rosenstein reportedly suggested invoking the 25th Amendment
According to a new report by the New York Times, Rosenstein expressed his concerns during Spring 2017. It followed Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and other ensuing controversies.
According to the report, Rosenstein suggested recording Trump to document his instability. He also discussed invoking the 25th Amendment with FBI and Justice Department officials including then-acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe.
Ratified in 1965, the 25th Amendment allows for the removal of the president from office if he is not fit to serve. The Vice President and a majority of either the Cabinet or Congress would have to vote in favor of removal.
Their decision would be submitted to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the House. The Vice President would become acting President and other steps would have to be taken to permanently remove the President.
It's not clear how far along Rosenstein's idea got, or how many people were willing to go along with it, but it seems he thought he could get the Attorney General and the then-Homeland Security Secretary to participate.
According to TheWrap, Rosenstein has claimed the report is inaccurate. Another unidentified source claimed Rosenstein's remarks about the 25th Amendment were sarcastic.
It's not the only time the 25th Amendment was brought up
Since Trump took office, the 25th Amendment has been a popular topic of discussion. It's been reported multiple times that it's been discussed among government officials.
Steve Bannon, the highly controversial former White House official, has stated his views on the issues, saying that the believed Trump would eventually be removed from office via the amendment.
Another publication, Bob Woodward's recent book, "Fear," increased speculation that it could be a possibility, but that hasn't slowed President Trump's attacks on the justice system.
