US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has revealed Democrats on Saturday (NZT) will be discussing the 25th Amendment, which details the constitutional framework for presidential disability and succession.
Donald Trump's infection with COVID-19 last week sparked speculation about the line of succession if the US President was to be incapacitated. The virus has killed more than one million people worldwide, with senior individuals most vulnerable.
The President, 74, and his physician have said this week that Trump is doing well and no longer has symptoms for the illness. However, officials have refused to answer key questions, such as when Trump last tested negative.
On Friday, while speaking to media, Pelosi, 80, hinted that the President's ability to conduct his duties would soon be brought up.
"Tomorrow, by the way, tomorrow, come here tomorrow. We're going to be talking about the 25th Amendment," she said.
According to media outlet The Hill, Pelosi later refused to elaborate but suggested the discussion would be linked to what she said was the White House's lack of transparency about Trump's health.
It was later revealed that Democrats will unveil a Bill on Saturday (NZT) to create a commission to determine whether a president is fit for office.
The 25th Amendment was ratified by the American Congress in 1967 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It states that the vice-President shall become President after the removal, death or resignation of a sitting President.
It also speaks to other situations where the powers of the President's office may be transferred.
"Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President".
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday night last week, Trump was taken on Saturday to Walter Reed Medical Centre where he spent several days on a cycle of Remdesivir and other drugs, like steroid dexamethasone.
The President had a fever and trouble breathing in the initial days of his fight with COVID-19, and also needed supplemental oxygen.
However, on Tuesday, he returned to the White House, with his physician saying he was doing "extremely well".
Trump appeared in a video posted to his Twitter on Friday morning, which began with him telling people he was a "senior".
"I know you don't know that. Nobody knows that. Maybe you don't have to tell them, but I am a senior".
