Election: What Happens if Trump Becomes Too Sick to Lead the US?

Election Day is just a few weeks away and President Donald Trump has tested positive for coronavirus.

Trump said he is feeling "much better" when he appeared in his first video message since being hospitalized. His doctors also said he is recovering well from the effects of the virus.

But Trump's condition throws many questions as to what could happen to the election if he becomes too sick to lead.

We listed down some questions on the possible worst-case scenario. This article will also address how U.S. party rules address these kinds of election issues:

What Campaign Events Will Trump Miss?

As BBC pointed out, Trump will need to stay in self-isolation for 10 days as he receives treatment. With this in mind, he may still come to the next presidential debate on October 15.

He received his test results on October 1, which makes October 11 the last day of his quarantine with his wife Melania.

Even though he may be at the debate, his rally that was set to take place in Florida will be scrapped. Reports also said his video conference with vulnerable seniors will have to be cancelled.

The president's other rallies and scheduled meetings during the 10-day period will have to either be postponed or cancelled.

Can the Election Be Postponed?

There is a very slim possibility of delaying the November 3 Election Day, said Reuters.

The U.S. presidential election, as stated by law, has to be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November every four years. This year, that date lands on November 3.

Changing this date will be up to the Congress and not the president. The Constitution gives the Congress the power to determine the Election Day.

Since the House of Representatives is controlled mostly by Democrats, it is highly unlikely that the election will be delayed. This is even considering if the Republican-controlled Senate votes to do so.

In the U.S.'s election history, the date of casting votes has never been postponed.

Assuming the date was changed, the constitution also rules that a president can only stay in office for four years. So Trump's term will automatically end at noon of January 20, 2021.

What Happens if Trump Became Incapacitated?

Assuming the president becomes too ill to carry out his duties, the constitution also set out some rules.

Under the 25th Amendment, the president can hand over power to the vice president. CNN illustrated the line of succession from the President to another person.

Today, that would mean Mike Pence will become acting president. Trump can take back his seat once he's informed the Senate that he is ready to get back to work.

If the president can't hand over power himself, the cabinet and vice president can make the declaration for him. From there, Pence can assume the role.

If Pence is unable to lead himself, under the law, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be next in line. Constitutional experts believe this transfer of power will lead to vicious legal battles.

So if Pelosi is unwilling to take on the role, a senior Republican Senator Charles Grassley will take on the battle. But this can also raise some legal challenges.

Can Pence Replace Trump on the Ballot?

There are also clear procedures to follow if a candidate is unable to fulfill his role under the GOP rules.

Although Pence can assume presidential duties, he doesn't necessarily replace Trump as the Republican candidate. This is because Trump's name was cast as the official nomination of the party.

Under the rules of the Republican Party, the 168 members of the Republic National Committee (RNC) will vote on a new presidential nominee.

Pence can take on Trump's position on the ballot since he is a likely candidate. If he'll be chosen, a new running mate will be picked.

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