Donald Trump recently stirred up conversation when he suggested he might pursue a third term as president, despite the U.S. Constitution limiting presidents to two elected terms. In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated he was serious about the possibility and hinted at unconventional methods to achieve it.
When asked about his intentions, Trump mentioned that Vice President JD Vance could run in 2028 and potentially step down if elected, allowing Trump to take over. He added that there are other methods but did not provide details, saying, “A lot of people want me to do it.”
This comment has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation, especially since Trump has hinted at this idea before. In 2018, he jokingly referenced Chinese President Xi Jinping’s indefinite rule and suggested, “Maybe we’ll give that a shot someday.” During campaign rallies, he has claimed that his supporters might demand a third term as “reparations” for investigations into his presidency.
Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, has also hinted that Trump could find ways to hold onto power. Bannon believes Trump will run again in 2028 and has suggested there could be alternatives to the traditional electoral process.
The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, clearly states that no one can be elected to the presidency more than twice. However, some of Trump’s supporters argue that the amendment might allow for a president to assume office through succession rather than election. This interpretation is controversial and not accepted by all legal experts.
Some scholars, like constitutional law expert Bruce Fein, argue that there are no legal ways to bypass the 22nd Amendment. Fein warns that if Trump tries to ignore this constitutional limit, it could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders.
Another legal hurdle for Trump is the 12th Amendment, which states that a person who is ineligible for the presidency cannot be vice president. This means that if Trump were to run for vice president, he would likely be barred from doing so because he has already served two terms.
While some believe the 22nd Amendment could theoretically be revoked, the chances of that happening are slim. It would require a constitutional amendment, needing two-thirds support in both the House and Senate, along with ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures. Currently, Republicans control only about 28 state legislatures, falling short of the necessary majority.
Trump’s supporters have also speculated about other ways he could regain power, such as serving as vice president and then stepping in as "acting president" if the president were incapacitated. However, such scenarios remain legally untested and face significant challenges.
As Trump continues to discuss the possibility of a third term, many are watching closely. His remarks highlight ongoing debates about presidential power and the limits set by the Constitution.