But it is “highly unlikely” that Pence would follow that path at this stage, the source said, as the effort is not expected to be successful. Pence himself has not discussed the introduction of the 25th Amendment with any Cabinet officials, an administration official told CNN.
However, two cabinet secretaries have called on fellow cabinet members to take their “temperature” about calling for a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump to oppose his conduct, three senior officials said administration to CNN.
The two cabinet secretaries considered the possibility of asking the President to deliver a public speech promising a peaceful transfer of power, which Trump made Thursday night in a pre-recorded video.
Hanging over the meeting would be a possibility that a majority of the cabinet could call the 25th Amendment and Trump his power as president.
Federal departmental chiefs of staff have also called on each other to discuss the possibility.
Some secretaries find it difficult to agree to a meeting because of the risk that an attempt to call the 25th Amendment will not run, or that they will pull Trump’s term.
Some officials were also concerned about the optics of holding a cabinet meeting amid national talks on the 25th Amendment. “Why are you in danger?” said one chief executive.
On Thursday night, Trump admitted in his pre-recorded video that he would not be serving a second term. It is not yet known if that was enough to address the concerns of cabinet members and to take the talks off the table.
A White House adviser said in talks with senior officials that Trump did not record the video simply because his current leadership is in danger of resignation and possible impeachment. .
“I think that video was made only because almost all of his key employees were about to retire, and there is impeachment to come,” the councilor said.
“That message and tone should be repeated on election night … not after people die,” the councilor said.