US Vice President Mike Pence told House leaders on Tuesday that he does not support invoking the 25th Amendment process that would declare Trump unable to fulfill his duties and install Pence as acting president for the remainder of the term.
"With just eight days left in the President's term, you and the Democratic Caucus are demanding that the Cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment," Pence wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our nation or consistent with our Constitution," he said.
Democrats acted swiftly to begin the process to have Trump removed after he encouraged his supporters last Wednesday to "march" to the US Capitol and "fight."
Pence, who was presiding over the vote, as well as Pelosi and other lawmakers, were forced to take shelter. Five people died during the unrest including a US Capitol Police officer.
The vice president's letter came just hours before the House of Representatives was to vote on a resolution that calls on Pence to initiate the 25th Amendment process and "declare what is obvious to a horrified nation, that the President is unable to successfully discharge the duties and powers of his office."
Pelosi has said Pence's failure to trigger that process would lead to a Trump impeachment vote on Wednesday. She has described Trump as being "unhinged."
