1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I hope this letter finds you well. As a concerned New York citizen, I am writing to express my deep concern about the possibility of Donald J. Trump regaining the presidency. In light of his documented role in events constituting an insurrection against the United States, I urge you to uphold the Constitution by invoking Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to disqualify him from holding public office. The 14th Amendment was specifically designed to safeguard our democratic system from individuals who engage in insurrection or rebellion. The facts surrounding Donald Trump’s actions related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack make it clear that his conduct falls squarely within the scope of the amendment’s disqualifying criteria. Evidence of Trump’s engagement in insurrection includes his public and private efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. On January 6, Trump gave a speech near the White House, encouraging his supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell” to stop the certification of electoral votes. These remarks were not isolated; they were the culmination of months of baseless claims that the election was “stolen,” creating an environment of distrust and inciting his followers to act unlawfully. Moreover, Trump failed to take timely action to quell the violence at the Capitol. As rioters breached the halls of Congress, assaulting police officers and threatening lawmakers, Trump watched from the White House for over three hours without issuing a decisive statement to end the chaos. Instead, he tweeted messages that emboldened the mob, such as calling them “very special” and expressing “love” for them. These actions demonstrate a clear dereliction of duty and tacit approval of an attack on the democratic process. The 14th Amendment was drafted in the aftermath of the Civil War to prevent individuals who had betrayed the Union from holding office. Allowing Trump, whose behavior mirrors this betrayal, to return to the presidency would undermine the very foundations of our democracy. It would send a dangerous message that those who attempt to subvert the Constitution and the will of the people can escape accountability and wield power once again. The presidency demands unwavering respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. Donald Trump’s actions demonstrate a pattern of behavior antithetical to these principles. Invoking the 14th Amendment in this case is not just legally justified but necessary to protect our democratic institutions and restore public trust. I urge you to take decisive action to ensure that the highest office in our nation remains a symbol of integrity and fidelity to constitutional values. By doing so, you will affirm the resilience of our democracy and send a powerful message that no one is above the law. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust you will act in the best interest of our nation and its future.