Trump Hints at Potential Third Term, Sparking Debate Over Presidential Term Limits
Although U.S. law bars Donald Trump from serving a third term, the former president is not ruling out the possibility of extending his time in office.
“A lot of people want me to do it. But I usually tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s still early in the administration,” Trump said in a recent interview with NBC News.
Trump’s Third-Term Speculation
Despite the constitutional limit of two terms, Trump is hinting that he might not completely abandon the idea of a third term. In a March 30 interview, Trump addressed the speculation, acknowledging that while the 22nd Amendment restricts anyone from serving more than two terms, there may still be ways to work around that limitation.
“There are methods which you could do it,” Trump noted. When asked about Vice President JD Vance potentially running for office and passing the role to Trump, Trump responded, “That’s one way.” However, he kept further details vague, dismissing the question about other alternatives with a simple “No.”
While many Republicans have brushed off his past comments about serving beyond two terms as jokes, Trump made it clear this time that he wasn’t joking, adding, “I like working. But I’m not — it is far too early to think about it.”
Criticism and Constitutional Challenges
Trump’s suggestion has sparked criticism from members of both political parties, as it brings the question of presidential term limits to the forefront. Amending the Constitution to lift the two-term restriction would be a difficult process. Such a change would require either a two-thirds majority in Congress or approval from two-thirds of U.S. states to call a constitutional convention. Any proposed amendment would then need to be ratified by three-quarters of the states — an extremely tough political challenge.
Earlier this year, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced a resolution to extend presidential term limits, advocating for the possibility of Trump running for a third term.
Trump ally Steve Bannon also weighed in, stating in an interview that he believes Trump will “run and win again in 2028” and hinted that there might be alternative methods to bypass the two-term rule.
The Future of Presidential Term Limits
The conversation around Trump’s potential third term raises important questions about the future of presidential term limits and whether there may be calls for significant changes to the system. Should the two-term rule remain intact, or is it time to reconsider?
Share your thoughts on whether the two-term rule should stand or if it’s time for a change. Would you support amendments or workarounds to allow presidents to serve beyond the current limit?