Donald Trump Says He’s ‘Not Joking’ About the Possibility of a Third Term: ‘There Are Methods’

Donald Trump Raises Possibility of Third Term Presidency, Despite Constitutional Limits​

Former President Donald Trump has recently stirred controversy by suggesting that he is not joking about the idea of serving a third term in office. This statement comes despite the clear legal barrier set by the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which restricts presidents to a maximum of two terms.

During a phone interview with NBC News, Trump, now aged 78, asserted, “A lot of people want me to do it.” He went on to acknowledge that it is too early to seriously consider such a prospect, given that he is currently in the early stages of his administration. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly prohibits any individual from being elected president for more than two terms.

In the midst of discussions about the feasibility of a third term, Trump hinted at the existence of potential methods to circumvent this constitutional limitation. However, he refrained from providing specific details on how such a scenario could unfold. He will be 82 years old at the completion of his second term in office.

NBC reports that amending the Constitution to enable a third term presidency would necessitate either a two-thirds majority vote in Congress or consent from two-thirds of U.S. states to convene a constitutional convention. These avenues are deemed highly improbable, considering the substantial support required for such a constitutional amendment.

Speculation about Trump’s potential return for a third term has been fuelled by some of his ardent supporters, including former chief strategist Steve Bannon and Republican Congressman Andy Ogles. Bannon has openly endorsed Trump for a prospective 2028 presidential bid, emphasizing the continuing influence and appeal of the former president within certain political circles.

Interestingly, Trump broached the subject of a third term in November 2024 during the House Republican Conference in Washington, D.C. At that time, he jokingly remarked, “I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we’ve got to figure something else.'” This comment elicited laughter from the audience, indicating a mixture of amusement and intrigue surrounding the idea.

The notion of a potential third term for Donald Trump continues to provoke debate and speculation within the political landscape. While the legal barriers remain firmly entrenched in the Constitution, the mere suggestion of such a scenario underscores the enduring impact and divisive nature of Trump’s presidency.

As discussions persist around the feasibility and implications of a third term presidency, the intricacies of constitutional law and political dynamics converge in shaping the future trajectory of American governance. Trump’s latest comments serve as a catalyst for broader reflections on presidential term limits and the evolving nature of political leadership in the United States.