President Trump has sparked a national conversation about his potential third term in office, hinting at various “methods” to circumvent the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit. But is he really thinking about it, or is the media making a mountain out of a molehill?
At a glance:
• Trump declared he’s “not joking” about pursuing a third presidential term
• He cited overwhelming public support and high approval ratings as motivation
• Rep. Andy Ogles has proposed a resolution to extend presidential term limits
• Constitutional amendments require two-thirds approval from Congress and 38 states
• Trump’s current approval rating stands at 47.9%, higher than during his first term
Trump’s Bold Declaration
President Donald Trump has made headlines by openly discussing the possibility of seeking a third term in office. In recent statements, Trump asserted that “a lot of people want me to do it,” adding that he was “not joking” about exploring options to bypass the constitutional two-term limit.
The 45th President’s popularity continues to surge, with approval ratings reaching 47.9% according to RealClearPolitics, exceeding any point during his first administration. Trump attributes this popularity to his administration’s accomplishments and the perceived failures of the Biden presidency.
Constitutional Challenges and Alternatives
The 22nd Amendment explicitly limits presidents to two terms, presenting a significant obstacle to Trump’s ambitions. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote in Congress and ratification by 38 states, making the path to changing term limits extremely difficult.
However, Trump has hinted at alternative strategies, including a scenario where he could run as Vice President with a candidate who would step aside after winning. “That’s one method,” Trump remarked when questioned about the idea. But the President hasn’t been so explicit about it, and has even suggested that he’s not really thinking about it.
“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 joked during a recent Air Force One flight, adding that he is more focused on getting through the next four years than thinking about another term.
Meanwhile, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has taken concrete action by proposing a congressional resolution that would extend presidential term limits. The Tennessee congressman emphasized the need to provide Trump with resources to counteract the Biden administration’s harmful policies.
Trump allies, including former White House strategist Steve Bannon, have expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to secure another term. Bannon has publicly stated his belief that Trump will run and win in 2028, suggesting there are viable alternatives to circumvent the constitutional two-term restriction.
