As political tensions continue to rise within the U.S. government, some analysts are warning that certain missteps from former President Donald Trump could prompt dramatic consequences — including potential removal from office.
Following a series of executive decisions that sparked controversy during his first term, experts suggest that Trump’s return to the White House, if realized, may bring renewed scrutiny from both political opponents and members within his own party.
A Warning from Within: GOP Could Shift Focus
Veteran political analyst Adam Boulton, writing for The i Paper, posits that the greatest threat to Donald Trump’s presidency may not come from Democrats, but from internal GOP dynamics. According to Boulton, Republican lawmakers and cabinet officials could distance themselves from Trump if his behavior becomes increasingly unpredictable.
“Should Trump become more of an unpredictable liability — tanking the economy with tariffs, say, or pushing America into an armed confrontation with an ally — then Republicans… may decide that his comparatively squeaky-clean, family-oriented VP is a better bet to keep them in power,” Boulton wrote.
This comment hints at the potential political strategy that could emerge if the Republican Party feels that Trump’s leadership risks long-term party stability.
The Role of Vice President JD Vance
JD Vance, currently seen as one of Trump’s closest allies, has become a pivotal figure in Trump’s political orbit. Boulton describes him as “the most assertive US vice president of modern times,” especially influential in shaping foreign policy.
However, Vance’s alignment with Trump hasn’t always been consistent. Prior to entering politics, Vance publicly criticized Trump, once referring to him as “America’s Hitler” and declaring himself “a never-Trump guy.” Despite those past remarks, he is now widely regarded as a loyal member of Trump’s inner circle.
That loyalty, however, has recently come under the spotlight. In a developing controversy, Vance was mistakenly included in a Signal group chat with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. The group had been privately discussing sensitive national security matters, including a potential military action in Yemen.
Goldberg later revealed that during the chat, Vance questioned Trump’s strategic direction, writing:
“I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now.”
The accidental invitation of a journalist to a secure communication thread has prompted concerns about the handling of classified or sensitive information. In response, the Senate Armed Services Committee has called for a full investigation into the matter.
Rising Concerns About Democratic Backsliding
Some experts believe these internal fractures may be a sign of deeper democratic concerns. Staffan Lindberg, a political scientist at the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute, warned:
“The USA now seems to be heading towards a transition away from democracy under President Trump. In my view, the reverberations of this are and will be enormous across the world.”
Tara Setmayer, a former Republican communications director, echoed those concerns in a recent interview with The Guardian:
“We are approaching Defcon 1 for our democracy, and a lot of people in the media and the opposition leadership don’t seem to be communicating that to the American people. That is the biggest danger of the moment we’re in now: the normalization of it.”
What Could Lead to Trump’s Removal?
While Donald Trump has already survived two impeachment proceedings, experts outline a few possible scenarios that could result in his removal from office:
1. Impeachment
Although Trump has previously withstood impeachment trials, a new inquiry based on future actions or conduct could reignite the process if Congress sees sufficient grounds.
2. 25th Amendment
Under the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can declare the President “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” If invoked, Trump could contest the decision, prompting Congress to intervene. A two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate would be required to remove him.
3. Voluntary Resignation Due to Political Pressure
If political pressure from within his party or the broader public becomes overwhelming, Trump could choose to resign voluntarily. However, there are currently no formal indications that this is being considered.
Would JD Vance Lead Differently?
Even if Trump were removed from office, some analysts argue that Vice President JD Vance’s leadership may reflect similar political ideologies and strategies. His strong influence on foreign policy and close alignment with Trump’s vision suggest continuity rather than significant change.
Still, his evolving public image and past critiques of Trump may open the door to a leadership style that, while ideologically consistent, may differ in tone or diplomatic approach.
Final Thoughts
As the political landscape in the United States continues to shift, speculation remains high around how internal dynamics within the Republican Party could influence the course of the Trump presidency. Whether through political recalibration, constitutional measures, or growing public concern, the future remains uncertain.
While Trump’s support base continues to show strong loyalty, the possibility of unforeseen developments — including those sparked by unpredictable behavior or national security concerns — cannot be ruled out.
