Based on recent news reports, President Donald Trump ordered the Defense Department on October 29, 2025, to "immediately" resume nuclear weapons testing. The 25th Amendment, which allows for the removal of a president deemed "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," could theoretically be invoked in a scenario where a president's mental fitness is questioned following such a controversial directive. However, invoking the 25th Amendment is a complex, multi-step process that has never before been used against a president unwilling to leave office. Invoking the 25th Amendment Section 4 of the 25th Amendment outlines the process for removing a president against their will. Initial Declaration: The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet must transmit a written declaration to Congress stating that the president is unable to perform their duties. The Vice President immediately assumes the powers of Acting President. Presidential Contest: The president can then declare in writing to Congress that no inability exists and resume their powers. This triggers a short window for the Vice President and Cabinet to re-assert their declaration. Congressional Vote: If the Vice President and Cabinet contest the president's return, Congress must convene within 48 hours and vote on the issue. A two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate is required to keep the Vice President as Acting President. Otherwise, the president resumes their office. Context of Trump's nuclear testing order Recent reports indicate that Trump's order to resume nuclear testing has caused concern among experts and officials. International Agreements: The U.S. has observed a moratorium on explosive nuclear testing since 1992, and such tests are banned under the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty. Testing Feasibility: Experts cited by CNN estimate that it would take 24 to 36 months for the U.S. to resume nuclear testing, even after a presidential order. Presidential Authority: A 2025 Congressional Research Service report confirmed the president has sole constitutional authority to order the use of nuclear weapons, including tests. There are no statutes that limit this authority. Arguments for and against invoking the 25th Amendment Whether a directive to resume nuclear weapons testing would warrant invoking the 25th Amendment is a matter of legal and political interpretation. The amendment requires determining if the president is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office" due to a physical or mental impairment. Arguments for consideration: Erratic Judgment: Some may argue that the decision to resume nuclear testing—a highly controversial move with potential for global destabilization—demonstrates a severe lapse in judgment that qualifies as an inability to perform presidential duties. Constitutional Checks: As constitutional law scholars have noted, Section 4 of the 25th Amendment is designed for "nightmare scenarios" involving an impaired president, though it requires subordinates to act decisively. Beloud