KEY POINTS

  • Donald Trump may be replaced as president if the elections won't push through 
  • The POTUS could be replaced by Chuck Grassley as acting president if the elections won't push through
  • The coronavirus outbreak can impact the 2020 elections 

Donald Trump’s presidency could be at risk if the coronavirus outbreak impacts the 2020 presidential elections.

The pandemic has caused the presidential candidates to cancel their rallies and appearances since gatherings with 10 people or more are being discouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since the candidates are not able to talk about their platforms, it is possible that the upcoming elections in November will be canceled or postponed. According to Express, if there will be no presidential election by Jan. 21, 2021, the position of president would go down the line of succession.

Lagging behind the POTUS is vice president. But since his term will also be ending alongside Trump, the third person in line in the order of succession is the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. But since Pelosi’s term is just two years, her term will also be ending soon.

“Third-in-line to be president is the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, who is the senior-most member of the majority party, currently Chuck Grassley. However, the Senate changes its make up every two years, as only some senators are up for election. This November, 23 Republicans are up for election and only 12 Democrats,” the publication claimed.

Meanwhile, Trump claimed that he is doing everything that he can to combat the coronavirus pandemic. If he is able to deal with the pandemic, it is possible for the elections to push through in November. And in January, his will either be re-elected or a new president will be named.

Earlier this year, the POTUS was asked for the first time ever about the coronavirus. He said that it was totally under control.

“It’s one person coming from China and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine,” he said.

Days later, he claimed that the risk of infection for Americans remain low, but two months later, the coronavirus became a pandemic in the United States and the entire world.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a daily press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic
US President Donald Trump speaks during a daily press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic AFP / Brendan Smialowski