Conservative Editor Calls for 25th Amendment Action Against Trump, Involving Vice President Vance
Scott McConnell, the founding editor of The American Conservative, has publicly urged Vice President JD Vance to support a transition under the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. This proposal, made in a post on X on March 22, 2026, has ignited sharp debates online, coinciding with growing political divisions over the ongoing Iran war and Trump's handling of the conflict.
McConnell's Detailed Plan for Presidential Transition
In his social media statement, McConnell advised Vance to announce his backing for invoking the 25th Amendment, a constitutional provision that allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unfit for office. McConnell further recommended that Vance appoint Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, or a similar figure as his deputy, while pledging not to run for president in the 2028 election.
"Use your position, access to the media to explain why this is necessary. Don't resign," McConnell wrote, emphasizing the strategic importance of Vance's role in the process. When questioned about his choice of Murphy, McConnell explained that the senator is "an antiwar Democrat, smart and not super woke," highlighting a focus on bipartisan cooperation amid the war tensions.
Mixed Reactions and Online Controversy
McConnell's suggestion has drawn varied responses from political commentators and the public. Tim Miller of The Bulwark humorously remarked that McConnell had "gone so far around the bend over the Iran war that he's BlueAnon now," referencing conspiracy theories. The proposal taps into deeper societal rifts, as recent polling reveals significant divides over the Iran conflict.
A CNN survey indicates that MAGA supporters are 30 percentage points more likely than non-MAGA voters to strongly approve of the war, and 50 percentage points more likely to trust Trump's decisions regarding Iran. However, broader polls show that most Americans oppose the war, with NBC News reporting that 54% of Republicans favor the strikes while 36% are against them.
Growing Opposition Within MAGA Circles
Despite strong backing from MAGA supporters, notable conservative figures have voiced criticism of the Iran operation. Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have publicly spoken out, particularly concerning Israel's involvement. Additionally, Joe Kent, a senior counterterrorism official, resigned last week in protest, becoming the highest-ranking administration official to leave over the war.
In his resignation letter to Trump, Kent wrote, "You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards." This internal dissent underscores the escalating tensions within Trump's base.
Trump's Defiant Stance and Media Defense
President Trump has dismissed the criticism, asserting that MAGA supporters fully endorse his actions. In a call with journalist Rachael Bade, Trump stated, "MAGA wants to see our country thrive and be safe. And MAGA loves what I'm doing — every aspect of it... This is a detour that we have to take in order to keep our country safe and keep other countries safe, frankly."
Trump has also defended Fox News host Mark Levin, who supports the conflict, posting on Truth Social, "When you hear others unfairly attack Mark, remember that they are jealous and angry Human Beings, whose 'sway' is much less than the Public understands, and will, now that they know where I stand, rapidly diminish."
Broader Political Context and Legislative Concerns
The debate over McConnell's proposal occurs alongside other political developments. Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina recently expressed strong opposition to Trump's plans regarding the Iran war, highlighting ongoing legislative concerns. These events reflect a complex landscape where domestic political maneuvers intersect with international conflict, fueling discussions about leadership, constitutional processes, and national security.
As the situation evolves, the call for Vance to invoke the 25th Amendment remains a contentious topic, illustrating the deep fractures in American politics over the Iran war and Trump's presidency. The outcome could have significant implications for the upcoming electoral cycles and the broader geopolitical stance of the United States.
