President Trump has suggested he might seek a third term despite constitutional prohibitions, raising questions about America’s political norms and sparking debate among legal experts and supporters alike.
Quick Takes
- Trump told “Meet the Press” he’s “not joking” about potentially seeking a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment’s clear prohibition.
- Representative Andy Ogles has introduced a constitutional amendment to allow non-consecutive third terms, though passage is highly unlikely.
- Legal scholars uniformly reject Trump’s interpretation that the 22nd Amendment only bars consecutive third terms.
- Trump acknowledged the possibility of circumventing term limits by running as vice president, then assuming the presidency.
- Constitutional amendments require two-thirds Congressional approval and ratification by three-quarters of states.
Trump’s Third-Term Ambitions Challenge Constitutional Boundaries
President Donald Trump has reignited constitutional debate by openly discussing the possibility of seeking a third presidential term. During a recent appearance on “Meet the Press,” Trump made his intentions clear, stating, “I’m not joking. I’m not joking” when asked about pursuing another term beyond the two-term limit established by the 22nd Amendment. This amendment, ratified in 1951 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms, explicitly states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”.
Trump has argued that the 22nd Amendment only prohibits consecutive third terms, but constitutional scholars universally reject this interpretation. The amendment’s language is unambiguous – it limits any person from being elected president more than twice, regardless of whether those terms are consecutive. Even Trump’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, acknowledged this reality during her confirmation hearings, when she stated clearly: “No senator, not unless they change the Constitution,” when asked if Trump could legally serve a third term.
Potential Workarounds and Legislative Attempts
Despite the constitutional barriers, some Trump allies have proposed potential workarounds. Representative Andy Ogles introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution to allow non-consecutive third terms, though such an amendment faces nearly insurmountable hurdles. Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures – a high bar that few amendments have cleared in American history. Given the current political division in Congress and state governments, achieving this level of consensus appears highly improbable.
Trump has also acknowledged another potential strategy – running as a vice presidential candidate in 2028, then assuming the presidency if the elected president resigns. Some legal scholars suggest a former two-term president could theoretically return to the White House through succession if elected to a position in the presidential line of succession. However, others argue the 12th Amendment would prevent this maneuver, as it specifies that no person constitutionally ineligible to be president can serve as vice president.
Political Strategy or Constitutional Crisis?
Many analysts suggest Trump’s third-term rhetoric may be more political strategy than realistic ambition. By floating the idea, Trump maintains his position at the center of political discourse while projecting strength to his base. It also helps him avoid being viewed as a lame-duck president during his second term. Trump has previously joked about serving more than two terms in friendly settings, but his recent comments have taken on a more serious tone, causing concern among some constitutional advocates.
Some supporters, like former chief strategist Steve Bannon, have openly discussed plans for a 2028 run, demonstrating that at least some within Trump’s circle are taking the possibility seriously. Constitutional law experts, however, maintain there are no legal grounds for a third term without a formal amendment process. The episode highlights how Trump continues to challenge traditional political norms and constitutional boundaries that have guided American democracy for generations.
Sources:
- Twenty-Second Amendment
- Twelfth Amendment
- Trump Claims There Are ‘Methods’ For Him To Serve Third Term—What To Know
- Trump says he’s considering ways to serve a third term as president
- Trump: ‘I’m Not Joking’ About Running for Third Presidential Term
