President Trump has hinted he’s “not joking” about seeking a third term in office, despite clear constitutional barriers that would need to be overcome.
Key Takeaways
- Trump stated he’s “not joking” about pursuing a third presidential term and suggested there are “methods” to bypass constitutional limits
- The 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits presidents from serving more than two terms, requiring a constitutional amendment to change
- Trump floated potential workarounds including running as vice president with a running mate who would step aside
- Rep. Andy Ogles has proposed a resolution to extend presidential term limits
- Trump’s current approval rating of 47.9% exceeds any point during his first term
Trump’s Constitutional Challenge
Donald Trump recently made headlines by declaring he’s “not joking” about pursuing a third presidential term, despite the 22nd Amendment’s clear limitation of presidents to two elected terms. In recent interviews, Trump acknowledged that “a lot of people want me to do it” and cryptically suggested “there are methods which you could do it,” raising eyebrows among constitutional scholars and political observers alike. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly states that no person shall be elected to the office of President more than twice.
Changing the constitutional term limits would require passing an amendment – no small feat in today’s polarized political environment. This process demands a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by 38 states. Legal experts emphasize how clearly the Constitution addresses presidential term limits, making any effort to circumvent these restrictions incredibly difficult through legitimate means.
Trump should absolutely not run for a third term.
It opens a huge can of worms.
We don’t want Democrats doing that if they are in the presidency.
I doubt there will be public appetite for it anyway. https://t.co/PzLy9SwUFI
— Cryptid Politics 🇺🇸🐊 (@CryptidPolitics) March 30, 2025
Potential “Methods” and Political Support
Trump outlined one possible scenario during his interview, describing a situation where he could run as vice president with a running mate who would step aside after winning the election. “That’s one method,” Trump stated when discussing this possibility. While he didn’t elaborate on the legal feasibility of such a plan, constitutional scholars would likely raise significant objections. The 22nd Amendment was specifically designed to prevent presidents from maintaining power beyond two terms, regardless of the mechanism.
“A lot of people would like me to,” Trump said regarding pursuing another term, pointing to his current popularity. “I have had more people ask me to have a third term, which in a way is a fourth term because the 2020 election was totally rigged, so it’s actually sort of a fourth term in a certain. I just don’t want the credit for the 2nd because Biden was so bad. He did such a bad job, and I think that’s one of the reasons that I’m popular.”
Trump’s aspirations have found some support in Congress. Representative Andy Ogles has proposed a resolution aimed at extending presidential term limits, potentially opening a path for Trump to run again. Ogles has praised Trump’s dedication to the American people, emphasizing the need to provide him with resources to counteract the Biden administration’s policies. Meanwhile, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally, has expressed belief that Trump will run and win in 2028, suggesting there are alternatives to bypass the two-term limit.
Rising Popularity and Public Reaction
Trump’s confidence in pursuing another term appears bolstered by his current approval ratings. According to RealClearPolitics, Trump’s approval stands at 47.9%, higher than at any point during his first term in office. This increased popularity may explain why the idea of extending his presidency beyond constitutional limits has gained traction among his supporters.
Not everyone views Trump’s third-term ambitions favorably. Trump’s comments have prompted comparisons to democratic backsliding seen in other countries. Some political scientists have expressed concern about the implications of a president openly discussing ways to circumvent constitutional term limits. Harvard Professor Steven Levitsky has gone so far as to suggest that “Under Donald Trump, the US is sliding into a form of authoritarianism.”
The Path Forward
Whether Trump’s comments about a third term represent serious political ambition, trolling or strategic messaging remains unclear. Constitutional barriers present formidable obstacles to extending presidential terms beyond the current two-term limit. While Trump continues to hint at potential workarounds, the practical reality of implementing such plans would face intense legal scrutiny and political resistance. For now, Trump maintains he’s focused on his current term while keeping the door open to future possibilities that would challenge America’s long-standing constitutional precedents.
