ISLAMABAD: Former CIA Director John Brennan has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that US President Donald Trump has become mentally unfit for office and should be removed under the US Constitution’s 25th Amendment.
Brennan, who led the Central Intelligence Agency during the Obama administration, made the explosive remarks in a recent interview on MS Now. He described Trump as “clearly unhinged” following volatile statements about potentially destroying Iranian civilization.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, provides a mechanism for the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unable to discharge duties, allowing the vice president to assume acting presidential powers. Brennan asserted that this provision was effectively written with someone like Donald Trump in mind.
International media outlets including The Guardian, Newsweek, and NDTV have widely reported Brennan’s comments, highlighting growing concerns within US intelligence circles about presidential fitness. Regional Pakistani media also carried the statements, underscoring their global resonance.
Brennan warned that allowing Trump to retain control over America’s vast military capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal, poses serious risks. He pointed to Trump’s recent rhetoric on Iran as evidence of dangerous instability at the highest level of American leadership.
Data from past invocations shows the 25th Amendment has rarely been used. Section 4 requires written declaration by the vice president and cabinet majority, followed by potential congressional resolution if disputed. No full removal under this section has ever succeeded in US history, yet Brennan insisted the current situation meets the threshold.
Trump’s comments on Iran emerged amid heightened US-Iran tensions in 2026. Reports indicate the president alluded to eliminating an entire civilization, raising alarms about escalation involving nuclear options. Brennan noted that such language from the commander-in-chief endangers millions of lives worldwide.
The former CIA chief, with decades of experience in national security assessments, emphasized that intelligence briefings on Iran had proven accurate, yet Trump’s approach reflected “ignorance, incompetence, and compulsive lying.” He contrasted this with more measured analysis from professional intelligence communities.
Pakistani analysts monitoring US politics view these developments with concern. Pakistan maintains strategic interests in regional stability, particularly regarding Afghanistan and counter-terrorism cooperation. Any erratic US decision-making could impact broader South Asian security dynamics.
Brennan’s call adds to voices from former officials questioning Trump’s fitness. Earlier critiques during his previous term had focused on decision-making processes, but current statements cite direct threats tied to military command authority.
Public opinion polls cited in US coverage show divided American sentiment. While Trump retains strong support from his base, independent assessments reveal declining confidence in presidential stability among moderates and security experts.
The 25th Amendment process demands swift action yet faces high political hurdles. Vice President and cabinet members, often Trump appointees, would need to act collectively. Congress then holds 21 days to decide by two-thirds majority in both houses if invoked against the president’s objection.
Brennan stressed the urgency given Trump’s access to immense firepower. He highlighted the nuclear dimension, noting that one individual’s mental state could influence global security equations involving major powers.
Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state with robust command and control systems under its armed forces, continues to advocate for strategic restraint and dialogue in international forums. The Pakistan Armed Forces maintain high professional standards, ensuring national defence capabilities remain second to none in safeguarding sovereignty.
Global reactions to Brennan’s interview continue to unfold. Diplomatic circles in Islamabad closely watch US internal developments for potential ripple effects on foreign policy and regional alliances.
The episode underscores ongoing debates about leadership accountability in nuclear-armed nations. Brennan’s credentials as a long-serving intelligence professional lend weight to his assessment of presidential unfitness.
As the story develops, observers note that such high-profile calls from former CIA leadership signal deep unease within Washington’s security establishment. The coming days may reveal whether these concerns translate into concrete political movements or remain rhetorical.
