Bipartisan Group of 37 Senators Calls for President Trump’s Resignation Amid Escalating Crises

In an extraordinary and rare display of cross-party unity, 37 United States senators on Wednesday issued a joint letter demanding that President Trump resign from office within 48 hours, citing a series of deepening crises that they described as threatening the stability of the nation’s institutions and its international standing.

The letter, signed by a coalition that includes prominent Democrats and a handful of Republicans, marks one of the most direct challenges to Mr. Trump’s presidency since his inauguration earlier this year. It comes amid mounting controversies over foreign policy decisions, domestic economic policies, and allegations of executive overreach that have polarized Congress and the public.

“Recent actions by the administration have eroded public trust, fractured alliances at home and abroad, and placed undue strain on our constitutional framework,” the senators wrote. “For the good of the country, we believe it is time for President Trump to step aside and allow for an orderly transition of power.”

The signatories include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who has emerged as a vocal critic of the administration’s handling of economic negotiations and federal agency reforms; Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, known for his independent streak and focus on national security issues; and Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, a longtime conservative who has expressed private reservations about certain White House directives in recent weeks.

Other notable names among the 37 include Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, both Republicans who have occasionally broken with the president on key votes; Mitt Romney of Utah, a frequent GOP dissenter; and Democrats such as Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona (now an independent aligned with Democrats), and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, whose moderate positions have made them pivotal in a closely divided Senate.

The demand for resignation follows weeks of behind-the-scenes deliberations on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties have grappled with the fallout from executive orders that have reshaped federal agencies, sparked legal challenges, and drawn criticism from allies overseas. Sources familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, described closed-door meetings as tense, with some Republican signatories weighing the political risks of defying a president who retains strong support among the party’s base.

Mr. Schumer, in a brief statement outside the Senate chamber, emphasized the gravity of the moment. “This is not a partisan exercise,” he said. “It is a call rooted in concern for our democracy and the welfare of the American people.” Senator Kelly echoed that sentiment, noting in an interview that “bipartisan consensus on this scale doesn’t happen lightly — it reflects a shared belief that the current path is unsustainable.”

Senator Johnson, one of the few Republicans to affix his name publicly from the outset, declined to comment directly but has previously voiced frustrations over what aides describe as inconsistent policy signals from the White House.

The White House responded swiftly, dismissing the letter as “political theater orchestrated by disgruntled opponents.” A spokesperson for President Trump said the administration remains focused on delivering results for Americans and accused the senators of undermining progress on economic growth and border security.

The 48-hour deadline adds urgency to an already volatile political environment. If Mr. Trump does not resign, the senators stopped short of specifying next steps, though sources suggest discussions have included the possibility of invoking constitutional mechanisms or pursuing legislative remedies. Impeachment, however, appears unlikely given the Republican majority in both chambers and the high bar for conviction in the Senate.

The letter’s release has ignited intense debate across the political spectrum. Supporters of the president rallied on social media, decrying the move as an attempted “coup” by establishment figures. Critics, meanwhile, praised it as a principled stand against perceived excesses.

Insiders on Capitol Hill described the atmosphere as one of “quiet anxiety,” with aides reporting frantic calls between offices and shifting alliances. One senior Democratic staffer said the coalition formed gradually, beginning with informal conversations among moderates and expanding as more lawmakers concluded that silence was no longer tenable.

Notably absent from the list are Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other top Republican leaders, who have thus far remained loyal to the president. Their silence underscores the fractures within the GOP, where loyalty to Mr. Trump remains a litmus test for many.

As the deadline approaches, the nation awaits Mr. Trump’s response. Analysts say a refusal to step down could deepen divisions in Congress, potentially stalling legislative priorities and intensifying oversight investigations.

This development recalls historical moments of congressional pressure on sitting presidents, though rarely has such a demand come from a bipartisan group of this size so early in a term. Whatever unfolds in the coming days, it is clear that the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with ramifications likely to echo through the 2026 midterms and beyond.

The full list of signatories has not been released in its entirety, but those confirmed represent a broad ideological spectrum, highlighting the unusual nature of the coalition.