Trump Says ‘There Are Methods’ for Running for a Third Term — Here’s What the Law Says

President Trump’s Intentions for a Third Term: A Legal Analysis

President Donald Trump recently made headlines by suggesting his interest in running for a third term during an interview with NBC News. Despite his claims that it was not a joke and that many people supported the idea, the U.S. Constitution explicitly prohibits a president from serving more than two terms. This limitation is outlined in the 22nd Amendment, ratified in February 1951 after being approved by 36 out of the then-48 states.

The 22nd Amendment states that no individual can be elected to the presidency for more than two terms. This restriction was put in place to prevent any individuals from holding onto power for extended periods, maintaining the democratic principles of the United States. The tradition of serving only two terms was initially set by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, making it a significant precedent in American politics.

While President Trump hinted at the existence of potential “methods” to pursue a third term, the legal framework in place makes it virtually impossible. One approach could involve amending the Constitution to remove the term limit restriction, a daunting task requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, experts suggest that garnering the necessary votes for such an amendment would be highly improbable.

Another speculative scenario involves Vice President J.D. Vance running on a joint ticket with Trump in 2028, resigning after election to pave the way for Trump to assume the presidency once more. This convoluted plan raises constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the eligibility of individuals for the office of the president as outlined in the 12th Amendment.

At the age of 78 during his second term inauguration, President Trump would be 82 when the next president assumes office in 2029. If he were to secure a third term, he would become the oldest elected president in U.S. history, surpassing Joe Biden’s record as the oldest to leave office at 82 years old. This potential milestone adds an intriguing dimension to the discussion surrounding Trump’s aspirations.

In American history, Franklin D. Roosevelt stands out as the only president to serve more than two terms. Elected four times, Roosevelt led the country through challenging times, including the Great Depression and World War II. His unprecedented fourth term was cut short by his untimely passing shortly after his inauguration, prompting Congress to move forward with the 22nd Amendment to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

While Trump’s musings on a third term may capture attention and spark debate, the legal barriers established by the U.S. Constitution remain steadfast. The prospect of altering this fundamental aspect of the presidency raises significant challenges and uncertainties, highlighting the delicate balance between democratic principles and individual ambitions in the American political landscape.