In the latest interview, the 47th U.S. president claimed a loophole could allow him to run for a third term despite constitutional limits.
Donald Trump has once again hinted at the possibility of running for a third term as president.
This comes despite the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms in office.
Trump suggests he could run for a third term despite constitutional limits
The 22nd Amendment states that no person can be elected to the presidency more than twice.
Additionally, it also prevents anyone who has served more than two years of another president’s term from being elected more than once.
This rule has been in place since 1951 to prevent prolonged control of the presidency by a single individual.
According to the National Constitution Center, the law in question states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.”
Despite this, Trump has frequently suggested ways he could remain in power beyond two terms. He has even claimed to have already raised funds for a potential future campaign.
Trump’s remarks on a possible third term
In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump was asked about his intentions for 2028.
He responded: “A lot of people want me to do it. But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration.”
“I’m focused on the current”, he said,”I like working. I’m not joking. But I’m not – it is far too early to think about it.”
Despite appearing dismissive, he later hinted at potential ways he could secure a third term. “There are methods which you could do it,” Trump stated. However, he declined to elaborate on what those methods might be.
Could Vice President JD Vance help Trump stay in Office?
One rumored strategy involves Vice President JD Vance running for office in 2028. If elected, Vance could theoretically appoint Trump as his successor. While such a move would be highly controversial, Trump confirmed that this is one possible approach.
When pressed for details, he refused to share any other potential strategies.
Adding to the speculation, U.S. Representative Andy Ogles has introduced a bill that could extend Trump’s presidency.
The proposal seeks to amend the 22nd Amendment, allowing a president to serve up to three terms instead of two.
Under the proposed changes, the new amendment would read: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms.”
If passed, this amendment would make Trump eligible to run again in 2028 and potentially serve until 2032. However, it would not apply retroactively to former presidents such as Barack Obama or Bill Clinton.
Legal experts widely agree that the current Constitution makes a third term impossible.
Amending the Constitution is a lengthy process requiring approval from Congress and state legislatures. This makes it unlikely that Ogles’ bill would pass in time for Trump to run again.