I try to answer questions (25th amendment, impeachment, pardons) people tweet at me but this week I haven't been able to get to every one.

Here's an FAQ thread-of-threads. Some link my books for more detail, but obviously I'm happy to answer questions on Twitter for free.

1/5

25th AMENDMENT

* 25A4 flowchart: https://twitter.com/ProfBrianKalt/status/1312735825680048129

* What happens if there are acting secretaries? https://twitter.com/ProfBrianKalt/status/1185178350618398721

* If 25A4 isn't used now, what's it even for? https://twitter.com/ProfBrianKalt/status/1176522894999834624

* Where is the bar set for things like this week? https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/533117-the-25th-amendment-should-not-be-invoked-lightly

2/5

25A (cont.)

* Who is in charge while the president contests a 25A4 action?
The VP definitely is: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/25th-amendment-section-four/617603/

IMPEACHMENT

* How can people be impeached if they've already left office?
https://twitter.com/ProfBrianKalt/status/1347666205348417537 (links only)

3/5

PARDONS

* Can the president pardon himself?
https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/05/19/what-would-happen-if-trump-pardoned-himself-mueller-russia-investigation/

* What does the "except in cases of impeachment" limit to the pardon power mean?
https://twitter.com/ProfBrianKalt/status/1218323629957664768

* Can an acting president pardon people?
Yes. Acting presidents have the full powers of the office.

4/5

I've spent my career thinking about these questions in advance, so when they arise I can answer based on the law—not on whether I like the current president or not. I try to limit my role on Twitter to explainer, not advocate.

I'm happy to answer questions. DMs are open.

5/5

I expect to append additional questions/answers to this thread.

Like this:

* Is a pardon a declaration of guilt?
Not always, and not in any formal, legal sense. This piece explains in more detail, discussing the Burdick case that people often cite: https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-trump-self-pardon-not-admission-20180605-story.html

6/5

* Does a president lose post-presidential benefits (pension, etc.) if impeached and convicted?

Yes, but only if convicted while in office. The law gives benefits to those who either finish their term or resign (specifically, if "service…terminated other than by removal").

7/5