트럼프 대통령 코로나19으로 건강이상시 펜스 부통령에게 임시직 위임
While U.S. President Donald Trump showed up in public to reassure people that he is doing well... there are still questions as to what will happen if he becomes unable to carry out the duties of the president.
Our Kim Do-yeon explains the next steps.
Last Friday, President Trump announced that he and the First Lady had tested positive for COVID-19.
At 74, his age puts him more at risk of complications than younger patients.
His physician, Doctor Sean Conley, stated that the President's condition was secure after treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and said the President is in charge of the country.
But people have raised the question of what would happen if the President were to become incapacitated.
According to the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the next in line after the President is the Vice President.
Initially, when running mates are chosen, vice presidential candidates have to meet the constitutional requirements of a president so that they are able to fill the vacancy in the White House in situations like this.
Section 3 of the 25th Amendment allows the president to notify the leaders of Congress that he will not be able to perform the duties of the president.
From that point, until further notice, the vice president would become acting president.
The most recent uses were in 2002 and 2007... when then-President George W. Bush discharged his powers for a few hours to his Vice President, Dick Cheney, while he was going under colonoscopies.
If the vice president also cannot serve as the acting president, the speaker of the house is next in line, and after that is the Secretary of State.
Vice President Mike Pence, along with the House Speaker and State Secretary, has recently tested negative for COVID-19.
Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News
