Stephen King, a frequent Donald Trump critic, has joined the chorus of voices questioning whether the president should be removed from office.
In an April 7 post on X, King wrote he “predicted someone like Trump many years ago,” in his 1979 thriller, The Dead Zone. King went on to warn that the coming year could test America’s constitutional safeguards for removing a president. The writer singled out impeachment and the 25th Amendment as the “two machines” that could be used if the president is unable to fulfill his duties. “He is deeply unwell,” King said, referring to Trump.
King’s message came after President Trump made a series of controversial statements, including threatening rhetoric toward Iran, alarming both Congress and the public.
“The Dead Zone” and Trump’s second administration
In The Dead Zone, the protagonist Johnny Smith awakens from a coma with psychic abilities. He foresees a rising politician whose leadership could lead to catastrophe. In the novel, Greg Stillson parallels the populist outsider archetype often associated with Trump.
King’s post specifically highlighted the two main constitutional avenues to remove a sitting president. The House of Representatives can bring articles of impeachment by a simple majority vote. If approved, the Senate conducts a trial and must convict by a two‑thirds vote to remove the president from office.
Or the 25th Amendment, Section 4, a provision that allows the vice president and a majority of Cabinet members to declare a president unfit to discharge the duties of office. Power would then be transferred to the vice president. If the president contests that declaration, Congress can decide with a two‑thirds vote in both chambers. This section has never been used involuntarily to remove a president.
Renewed calls from lawmakers and beyond
King’s warning coincides with public and political scrutiny of Trump’s recent statements. After Trump posted that “a whole civilization will die tonight” in reference to Iran, Democrats and even some former allies called for action.
More than 20 Democratic members of Congress urged invoking the 25th Amendment. They described erratic rhetoric and potential national security risks. At the same time, leading Democrats renewed calls for impeachment proceedings. Representative Ilhan Omar urged what she termed “impeachment and removal.” Progressive Independent Nebraska State Senator Megan Hunt urged Americans “who love this country” to call for Trump’s removal from office.
Surprisingly, some conservative voices have also joined the chorus. Far‑right radio host Alex Jones publicly questioned how to use the 25th Amendment against Trump. Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene similarly called for constitutional action.
As King warned, the next 12–16 months could test whether constitutional “machines” for presidential removal are operational in a polarized political climate. Whether Congress, the Cabinet, or legal institutions will act remains uncertain. But King’s intervention — grounded in cultural touchpoints and constitutional debate — adds a high‑profile voice to a contentious national conversation.
Published: Apr 9, 2026 05:26 am