In a bold and unexpected statement, President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about the possibility of a third term in office, despite the clear restrictions set by the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. During a recent interview with NBC News, Trump emphasized that he was “not joking” about the idea, and hinted at “methods” that could allow him to bypass the constitutional limits that restrict presidents to two terms.
Trump says he is ‘not joking’ about seeking a third term in office https://t.co/cMtNTWh7SI
— Financial Times (@FT) March 30, 2025
The Idea of a Third Term Gains Momentum
Trump’s comments, made during a phone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, have sparked intense debate about his political future. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states that no person can be elected to the office of president more than twice. Yet, Trump has repeatedly suggested that there may be ways around this provision.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” Trump stated when asked about a third term. “But we have—my thinking is, we have a long way to go. I’m focused on the current [term].”
This remark marks the latest instance where Trump has teased the idea of staying in power longer than allowed, a notion that has rallied some of his supporters but raised concerns among legal experts.
While many political observers dismissed Trump’s earlier musings on a third term as mere jokes or campaign rhetoric, his latest comments suggest he is more serious about the prospect than ever before.
When Welker probed further about potential plans, Trump mentioned a scenario where Vice President JD Vance could run for president in 2028, only to “pass the baton” back to Trump after securing victory. While this idea seemed to be one possible route, Trump hinted that other, as-yet-undefined methods could also be in play.
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Constitutional Challenges and Political Pushback
The concept of a third term for Trump raises significant legal and constitutional hurdles. The 22nd Amendment, while firmly establishing a two-term limit, does not directly address the issue of non-consecutive terms.
However, experts agree that any attempt to amend or circumvent the law would face monumental challenges.
Proposals to change the 22nd Amendment have already surfaced. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) introduced legislation that seeks to amend the Constitution and allow former presidents to serve non-consecutive terms.
This would theoretically open the door for Trump to run again in 2028, even if he serves a third term. However, amending the Constitution is a long and complex process, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, and ratification by three-fourths of the states—a feat that seems highly unlikely given the current political climate.
Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, was quick to dismiss any prospects for Trump’s third term. “It’s illegal. He has no chance,” Waldman said, emphasizing the challenges any such attempt would face.
Trump’s Bold Foreign Policy Agenda
While speculation over his political future continues, Trump’s foreign policy has also been in the spotlight.
In the same interview, he expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing himself as “pissed off” over Putin’s recent comments about Ukrainian leadership.
Trump warned that if Russia failed to cooperate with U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, he would impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil, a move that would target nations purchasing Russian exports.
Trump’s tough stance on Russia and his broader foreign policy agenda reflect his continued “America First” approach. He has repeatedly signaled his willingness to use economic leverage, such as tariffs, to further U.S. interests on the global stage.
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing international negotiations over the war in Ukraine, a conflict that has dominated his presidency’s foreign policy landscape.
A Divided Nation
Despite the legal and political challenges surrounding Trump’s third-term ambitions, his influence within the Republican Party remains undeniable.
Allies such as former adviser Steve Bannon have publicly supported the notion of Trump running again, even suggesting that the 22nd Amendment’s language does not rule out the possibility of non-consecutive terms.
In Congress, some Republicans, including Rep. Ogles, have argued that the U.S. Constitution could be amended to pave the way for Trump’s return to power.
However, critics argue that any such move would further deepen the political divisions in the country, potentially undermining faith in the democratic process.
As Trump approaches the final stretch of his second term, his potential bid for a third term continues to fuel speculation. However, with nearly four years left in his current term, he remains focused on his current priorities, including his ongoing economic policies and his aggressive stance toward foreign adversaries like Russia and Iran.