Disqualify Trump: Aid & Comfort to Insurrection

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to enforce the provisions of the 14th Amendment, Section 3. This section disqualifies individuals from holding office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid or comfort to its enemies. As a critical safeguard for our democracy, it ensures that those who threaten the constitutional order are held accountable.   Following his January 20th, 2025 inauguration, former President Donald Trump's actions have raised serious concerns under this amendment. Specifically, after pardoning Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6th insurrection, attended an event on the economy in Las Vegas on January 25, 2025, where President Trump spoke. This interaction effectively nullified Rhodes' conviction and facilitated his public rehabilitation.   While the president's pardon power is absolute under the Constitution, the intent and implications of this particular pardon cannot be ignored. By pardoning someone convicted of seditious conspiracy and subsequently associating with them publicly, Mr. Trump has provided clear aid and comfort to an individual deemed an enemy of the constitutional order by the courts. This blatant violation of Section 3's principles undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for public officials' accountability.   As members of Congress, you have a constitutional duty to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions. Section 3 provides a mechanism for addressing these violations, allowing Congress to remove disqualification with a two-thirds majority vote. In the absence of such a vote, Mr. Trump must be disqualified from holding office under the clear language of the Constitution.   I urge you to initiate or support proceedings to address this matter and ensure that the rule of law is upheld. The stakes for our democracy are too high to ignore these transgressions. Holding all public officials accountable to the Constitution is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative to preserve the integrity of our republic.   Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust you will act decisively to protect the Constitution and the principles upon which our nation was founded.