President Trump says there are “methods” for a potential third term despite constitutional limitations, raising questions about the future of presidential term limits.
Quick Takes
- Trump stated he is “not joking” about seeking a third term and claims there are “methods” to achieve this goal
- Constitutional experts emphasize the 22nd Amendment clearly limits presidents to two terms
- Rep. Andy Ogles has proposed a resolution to extend presidential term limits
- Trump’s approval rating sits at 47.9%, higher than at any point during his first term
- Changing term limits would require a two-thirds vote of Congress and support from 38 states
Trump’s Third Term Ambitions
President Donald Trump has recently fueled speculation about seeking a third term, despite the constitutional barriers in place. During recent comments, Trump stated clearly that he was “not joking” about the possibility of running again in 2028. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution explicitly limits presidents to serving two terms, making any pathway to a third term legally challenging. Nevertheless, Trump has suggested there are “methods” to potentially circumvent this limitation, a statement that has ignited both support from his base and concern from constitutional experts.
Trump’s comments included the assertion that “a lot of people want me to do it,” referencing the possibility of a third term. While not detailing specific plans, he has mentioned his current popularity as evidence of public support for continued leadership. According to RealClearPolitics, Trump’s approval rating stands at 47.9%, higher than at any point during his first term in office. This increased popularity has encouraged some of his supporters to explore ways to enable his continued presidency beyond the traditional two-term limit.
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 Pathways and Constitutional Hurdles
The most straightforward path to enabling a third term would be amending the Constitution, a process that requires significant political will. Constitutional amendments need a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by 38 states. Representative Andy Ogles has already proposed a resolution aimed at extending presidential term limits, potentially paving the way for Trump to run again. However, the high threshold for constitutional amendments makes this route particularly challenging in the current polarized political climate.
Trump has also discussed a more controversial strategy involving running as vice president with a running mate who would step aside upon winning. “That’s one method,” Trump noted, though legal scholars have expressed skepticism about such approaches. Constitutional experts emphasize that the 22nd Amendment was specifically designed to prevent extended presidential power, reflecting the nation’s historical commitment to regular transitions of leadership. The amendment was ratified following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms as president.
Political Support and Critics
Trump’s consideration of a third term has garnered significant support from his political allies. Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump associate, has expressed belief that Trump will run and win in 2028, suggesting there are alternatives to bypass the two-term limit. “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 declared.
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.”
