Since the shocking events that took place a week ago in the Capitol, Democrats have been promising retribution against president Trump whether it be by the 25th Amendment or Impeachment proceedings. House Democrats first crafted a bill urging Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and have President Trump removed from office. A move the vice president swiftly rebuffed citing House Speaker Pelosi’s own words in a letter to the Democrat leading the charge to remove Trump.

“I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution,” Prence wrote.

In his letter to Pelosi, Pence noted how he refused to bow to intense pressure to overextend his authority to object to some electoral votes last week as Congress certified Joe Biden. Now, Pence is making it clear he refuses to “play political games” by invoking the 25th Amendment against Trump.

The Vice President believes that the Framers intended the 25th Amendment be used only in cases of incapacity or disability and that invoking the Amendment against Trump in this situation would only set a “terrible precedent.”

Pence reminded Pelosi of her own words in a letter to the Speaker, “As you know full well, the 25th Amendment was designed to address Presidential incapacity or disability. Just a few months ago, when you introduced legislation to create a 25th Amendment Commission, you said, “[a] President’s fitness for office must be determined by science and facts.” You said then that we must be “[v]ery respectful of not making a judgment on the basis of a comment or behavior we don’t like, but based on a medical decision.” Madam Speaker, you were right.”

In his letter, Pence wrote that the Trump administration is now focused on ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition of power into the Biden administration. In messages to the nation, President Trump has also remarked on his focus on a peaceful transition.

As Republicans and Democrats alike call for healing and unity across the nation many feel a second impeachment trial would create a deeper divide between people and parties. Pence is joining the call for unity and peace while promising to do his part to “work in good faith with the incoming administration.”

“I urge you and every member of Congress to avoid action that would further divide and inflame the passions of the moment. Work with us to lower the temperature and unite our country…” Pence wrote.

Pence penned the letter to Nancy Pelosi the night before the House is set to convene to vote on an article of impeachment against President Trump. Many Democrats and some Republicans have blamed President Trump for the violence at the Capitol building saying he is guilty of causing an insurrection. Early reports have indicated that the House will have enough votes to bring the trial to Senate however it’s unclear if there will be enough Republicans who ultimately vote to convict Trump.