Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Jack recovers the chip from Kate's attackers, but the audio files are damaged beyond recovery. Michelle finds a different lead in the remaining code and traces it to programmer Alex Hewitt. Jack also asks CTU to investigate Peter Kingsley and his oil connections. He briefly speaks with Kim, who is travelling to the Matheson house to collect her belongings. Kate blames herself for failing to recognise Marie's involvement, and Jack tries to reassure her before leaving.
Prescott brings Palmer before a Cabinet hearing under the Twenty-fifth Amendment. Reporter Ron Wieland describes his detention, while Roger Stanton gives an account of his torture that Palmer challenges. Palmer argues that the missing part of Stanton's confession would support his actions. News of Jack's chip briefly delays the hearing, but the failure to recover its audio removes the proof Palmer hoped to present. He refuses Novick's appeal to approve the attack and save his position.
The Cabinet votes to remove Palmer's powers, with the Secretary of State casting the deciding vote. Prescott assumes authority while Palmer is escorted into confinement by guards who now answer to the new administration. Chappelle orders CTU to stop supporting Jack after the chip fails to settle the recording's authenticity. Jack follows Hewitt's address anyway. He enters the ransacked loft and hides when someone approaches, then watches Sherry Palmer arrive and call out for Hewitt.