House

Democrat demands RFK Jr. insist on Trump mental fitness test, invoke 25th Amendment

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by Nathaniel Weixel - 04/17/26 1:26 PM ET

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by Nathaniel Weixel - 04/17/26 1:26 PM ET

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Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Trump’s mental fitness Friday, pressing him about some of Trump’s recent social media posts.

During a Friday hearing in the House Education and Workforce Committee about the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services, Takano presented large posters of some Trump’s Truth Social comments, including those where he threatened to destroy the “whole civilization” of Iran, attacked Pope Leo XIV, and posted an AI image depicting himself as Jesus Christ.

“Millions of Americans are questioning this president’s mental fitness, his emotional stability, and whether he can carry out the duties of his office. Do you share their concerns about his mental health?” Takano asked Kennedy.

When Kennedy did not immediately answer, Takano pressed on.

“We need a commander in chief that we know has full command of his mental faculties and is emotionally stable,” Takano said. “Mr. Secretary, given everything that I’ve shown you today, will you insist that President Trump undergo an assessment of his mental fitness and his emotional stability?”

“Absolutely not,” Kennedy retorted.

Takano then demanded to know if Kennedy would ever recommend invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office if he were to fail an evaluation about his mental and emotional stability.

When Kennedy indicated he would not and that “there hasn’t been a president who is more sane,” Takano chastised him as choosing his loyalty to Trump over loyalty to the Constitution.

“Well, you need the fundraising video,” Kennedy told him.

“I would hesitate to say something about the 25th Amendment with the last president. There was no concern there from the other side, but I won’t say that,” panel Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) quipped.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Republicans repeatedly raised the prospect of then-Vice President Kamala Harris invoking the 25th Amendment to remove then-President Biden from office.

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