Washington, DC [US]: In a move that has ignited political controversy, US President Donald Trump has suggested he may seek a third term in office, despite the constitutional ban on presidents serving more than two terms, CBS News reported.
Trump’s Comments & Constitutional Limits
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump remarked:
🗣️ “There are methods which you could do it.”
🗣️ “I’m not joking… but it is far too early to think about it.”
His statement raises questions about his willingness to challenge the 22nd Amendment, which explicitly limits presidents to two terms.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states:
📜 “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
This limit was imposed after Franklin D. Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms.
Political Reactions & Legal Barriers
🔴 Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY): Called Trump’s comments “an escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy.” He urged Congressional Republicans to publicly oppose any third-term ambitions.
🔵 Steve Bannon, former Trump strategist, backed the idea, telling CPAC attendees: “We want Trump in ’28.”
⚖️ Jeremy Paul, constitutional law professor at Northeastern University:
“There are no credible legal arguments for him to run for a third term.”
⚖️ Derek Muller, election law professor at Notre Dame:
📌 Cited the 12th Amendment, which prevents someone ineligible for the presidency from serving as vice president.
📌 “I don’t think there’s any ‘one weird trick’ to getting around presidential term limits.”
Is a Third Term Possible?
For Trump to seek a third term, he would need:
✅ A constitutional amendment (requiring two-thirds approval from Congress and 38 states—highly unlikely).
✅ Widespread political & judicial support, including Supreme Court backing.
✅ Acceptance by voters and state election officials, which would be a major challenge.