President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he is “not joking” about the possibility of serving a third term, suggesting that he is considering ways to overcome the constitutional restriction that limits presidents to two terms.
In an interview with NBC News from his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump mentioned that there are methods to achieve this, although he also emphasized that it is “far too early to think about it.” The 22nd Amendment, which was added to the Constitution in 1951 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, states that no person can be elected to the presidency more than twice.
While Trump’s comments may reflect his desire to retain power, they have sparked concerns about his intentions and the potential undermining of democratic norms.
Rep. Daniel Goldman, a Democrat from New York, expressed alarm, calling it an “escalation” in Trump’s efforts to challenge the democratic system. Some of Trump’s allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, have voiced support for his continued run, with Bannon advocating for a 2028 bid.
Legal experts, however, have argued that there is no legitimate legal basis for Trump to seek a third term.
NBC News’ Kristen Welker asked Trump if a third term could be achieved by having Vice President JD Vance run for president and then “pass the baton” to him. Trump acknowledged that this was one possibility, but did not elaborate on other options.
Constitutional law professor Derek Muller noted that if Trump is ineligible for a third term due to the 22nd Amendment, he would also be ineligible to serve as vice president. Muller and other experts suggested that Trump’s remarks are likely aimed at bolstering his political position, portraying himself as a powerful figure rather than a “lame duck.”
Trump, who would be 82 at the end of his second term, said that he enjoys working and suggested that his popularity could lead to support for a third term.
Despite his claims of having the highest poll numbers of any Republican in the last century, Gallup data shows that Trump’s approval rating has never exceeded 47% during his second term.
