Pressure from some Democrats to remove President Donald Trump is growing louder, but one prominent party voice says the effort is headed nowhere fast.
Jen Psaki dismissed renewed calls to invoke the 25th Amendment, arguing the debate is draining energy from battles that actually matter. Her remarks came during a candid exchange with Stephen A. Smith, where she also warned Democrats against purity tests and constant outrage politics.
Psaki Questions Focus On Removal Push
During an appearance on Smith’s program, he asked about the left being so “fervently against the other side” that it can come across as “vitriolic.”
Psaki responded with a blunt assessment.
“I think there are times, I think a lot of people on — and I can’t speak for everybody on the left, I don’t agree with everything everybody says on the left either — you know, sometimes it’s like not constructive,” Psaki said. “I mean, you’ve talked about the 25th Amendment. I have no issue with people saying they’re for invoking the 25th Amendment, but it’s not going to happen. So, it’s like why are we spending so much time, you know?”
Her message was clear: symbolic fights may energize activists, but they do little if there is no realistic path forward.
Democrats Face Internal Tension
Psaki also pointed to a broader challenge inside the party. While many progressives feel deeply threatened by Trump’s return to power, she said winning national elections requires building a wider coalition.
“What is also true is that in order to win, you have to invite more people to the party,” she said. “So, if you want to win, you have to accept sometimes that there may be people who are part of your party or you’re going to welcome into the event or the conversation who you don’t agree with on 100% of issues. And I think sometimes there can be a little litmus-testy feeling about like who’s allowed to be a Democrat or who can consider themselves progressive.”
That argument strikes at a familiar Democratic dilemma: energize the base or expand the tent.
Warning Against Constant Outrage
Psaki did not hide her own frustrations with Trump’s administration. Still, she said reacting at full volume to every controversy can backfire.
“And part of that goes hand-in-hand with like you have to scream at the top of your lungs about everything that comes out of the Trump administration,” she said. “And I’m outraged by a lot of it. But I don’t think screaming about every single thing is the most constructive thing.”
It was a notable warning from a longtime Democratic communicator who understands how political messaging lands beyond party loyalists.
More Than 50 Lawmakers Back 25th Amendment Calls
The debate intensified after more than 50 Democratic lawmakers urged Trump’s Cabinet to consider removing him through the 25th Amendment. Critics argued he is unfit for office following comments tied to Iran and a social media post declaring that a “whole civilization will die” unless Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Some lawmakers have gone even further.
“I certainly think the president should be removed,” Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said. “I mean, he’s unfit for office. I think the 25th Amendment, and if not, then impeachment.”
Political Reality Check
Psaki’s remarks may frustrate activists eager for confrontation. However, they also reflect a harder truth in Washington: dramatic constitutional remedies are rare, politically explosive, and nearly impossible without overwhelming bipartisan support.
For now, calls to remove Trump may fire up headlines, but Psaki’s view is simple. It’s “not going to happen.”
