On Sunday, Donald Trump stated that he was serious about exploring the possibility of seeking a third term as president of the United States, despite the U.S. Constitution restricting presidents from being elected more than twice. In an interview with NBC News, Trump suggested one possible scenario could involve him running for vice president in 2028, with the vice president later stepping down to allow Trump to assume the presidency.
Trump’s comments have raised concerns and speculation, as this was not the first time he has entertained the idea of a third term. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” However, some of Trump’s supporters argue that the amendment leaves room for interpretation regarding succession to the presidency, rather than direct election.
The amendment was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms as president, in order to establish a two-term limit for future presidents. Any attempts by Trump to circumvent the 22nd Amendment would face significant legal and political challenges, including potential court disputes and questions of constitutional intent.
While it is theoretically possible for Trump to run for vice president and subsequently become president through succession, experts maintain that such a move would likely be interpreted as a direct violation of the Constitution. In addition, revoking the 22nd Amendment would be extremely difficult and unlikely, as it would require a constitutional amendment with broad support in both Congress and state legislatures.
In conclusion, while there are technical ways for Trump to potentially assume the presidency again, these options face numerous legal and political hurdles. Ultimately, the strength of the U.S. Constitution depends on the public’s willingness to uphold it and respect its principles. Thus, Trump’s rhetoric and intentions should not be dismissed as mere posturing or trolling.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/1/can-donald-trump-seek-a-third-term-and-what-are-his-options?traffic_source=rss
