Donald Trump has once again ignited a firestorm of controversy, asserting that he is “not joking” about the possibility of seeking a third term as US president, a move that would directly challenge the two-term limit enshrined in the US Constitution. In a Sunday morning phone call with NBC News, the 78-year-old billionaire amplified his past suggestions, this time hinting at concrete plans to achieve this unprecedented goal.
Trump’s history is peppered with allusions to extending his presidential tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated limits. However, his latest pronouncements carry a more assertive tone, signaling a potential intent to explore avenues for circumventing the established framework.
“I’m not joking,” Trump stated to NBC News, when pressed for clarity on his remark about another term. “There are methods which you could do it.” He further claimed that “a lot of people want me to do it,” while acknowledging that it’s “very early in the administration.”
The path to amending the US Constitution to permit a third presidential term is fraught with obstacles. It would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate, a threshold currently beyond the reach of Trump’s Republican Party.
Trump acknowledged the difficulties, stating it was “far too early to think about it,” but also revealed that he had been presented with plans that could potentially pave the way for his re-election. One such scenario, floated by NBC News, involved Vice President JD Vance running for president and then abdicating the role to Trump. The president confirmed this as “one” method, while hinting at “others” without divulging further details.
Beyond Congressional action, Trump could also seek support from two-thirds of the nation’s 50 states to convene a constitutional convention, which would then propose changes to the charter. Regardless of the route chosen, ratification by three-quarters of all states would be necessary.
Both pathways appear exceedingly challenging, given the current political landscape and the distribution of state and Congressional control. Notably, a constitutional convention has never been successfully convened in US history, with all 27 constitutional amendments having been passed through the congressional method.
The notion of a third Trump term has already stirred significant debate. In January, shortly after Trump’s second inauguration, Republican Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a House joint resolution to amend the constitution to allow presidents to serve up to three terms, further fueling the controversy.
Trump’s latest comments have amplified concerns about his respect for established democratic norms and the potential for a constitutional crisis. His willingness to openly discuss strategies for extending his presidency beyond the two-term limit has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and constitutional scholars. The unfolding situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored as it tests the boundaries of US political tradition.
