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In a recent phone interview with NBC News, Donald Trump stated that he was serious about the prospect of serving a third presidential term. He mentioned that there are “methods” to circumvent the constitutional restriction that prevents U.S. presidents from being elected more than twice. However, Trump noted it was “far too early to think about it,” though he is considering the possibility, claiming that “a lot of people” are encouraging him to pursue it.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution specifies that no individual can be elected to the presidency more than twice. Trump, however, suggested that there are ways to achieve a third term. To amend the Constitution to allow this, a two-thirds majority vote in Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the states would be required.
Andy Ogles, a Republican representative from Tennessee, has proposed amending the 22nd Amendment, but there is insufficient political backing in Congress or among the states for such a change.
Trump has often joked in public about the idea of running for a third term. By entertaining this unlikely scenario, Trump, who has falsely claimed he didn’t lose the 2020 election, not only provokes Democrats but also attempts to avoid being seen as a lame duck in a potential second term. When questioned about the possibility of Vice President JD Vance winning the presidency in 2028 and subsequently handing over the role to Trump, he acknowledged it as a possibility but indicated there were other options as well.
Steve Bannon, who served as Trump’s chief strategist during part of his first term, has expressed confidence that Trump “will run and win again in 2028.”
