President Donald Trump has sparked constitutional debate by suggesting he might seek a third term in office despite the 22nd Amendment’s clear two-term limit, raising questions about potential “methods” to bypass this restriction.
Top Takeaways
- Trump stated he is “not joking” about pursuing a third term, claiming many supporters want him to run again in 2028
- Any change to presidential term limits would require a constitutional amendment with approval from two-thirds of Congress and 38 states
- Trump floated a controversial scenario of running as vice president with a candidate who would step aside after winning
- Rep. Andy Ogles has proposed a resolution to extend presidential term limits
- Trump’s current approval rating of 47.9% is higher than at any point during his first term
Trump’s Third Term Comments Generate Constitutional Controversy
President Donald Trump has stirred significant debate by openly discussing the possibility of seeking a third presidential term, despite constitutional limitations. During recent interviews, Trump confirmed that his interest in a third term is not meant in jest, telling reporters, “I’m not joking,” when questioned about his intentions. The 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits any person from being elected to the presidency more than twice, creating a substantial legal barrier to Trump’s apparent ambitions.
When pressed about how he might circumvent these constitutional restrictions, Trump suggested there are “methods which you could do it.” One scenario described involved running as vice president with a candidate like J.D. Vance, who would subsequently resign and elevate Trump to the presidency. Legal scholars have expressed significant skepticism about the viability of such maneuvers, noting that constitutional amendments face extremely high hurdles, requiring approval from two-thirds of Congress and three-quarters of states.
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
Political Support and Constitutional Realities
Trump has indicated that there would be strong support among his base for extending his time in office, stating, “A lot of people want me to do it.” He referenced his current approval ratings as evidence of this support, with polls showing his popularity at 47.9%, higher than at any point during his first term, according to RealClearPolitics. This increasing approval has emboldened some allies to publicly discuss the possibility of Trump serving beyond the two-term limit established in 1951.
“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,” said Trump.
Representative Andy Ogles has taken concrete steps toward this goal by proposing a resolution to extend presidential term limits. This follows statements from other Trump allies like Steve Bannon, who has expressed confidence that Trump will run and win in 2028. However, constitutional experts emphasize the extreme difficulty of amending the Constitution, which would require a level of bipartisan support that seems unlikely in today’s polarized political climate.
Historical Context and Democratic Concerns
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 discussion about a potential third term has occurred periodically throughout Trump’s political career, with some supporters viewing such comments as deliberate provocations rather than serious policy proposals. Nevertheless, the White House has recently shared content likening Trump to royalty, including a mock magazine cover depicting him wearing a crown.
Legal experts continue to emphasize the clarity of constitutional limitations on presidential terms. As one law professor noted, “The Constitution is rarely as clear about anything as it is” about the two-term limit. While political rhetoric may suggest various “methods” to extend presidential service, the constitutional roadblocks remain formidable, requiring both overwhelming congressional support and approval from 38 states.
