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Politics

Trump hints at potential third term in 2028, igniting legal and political debates

Tuesday 01 - 09:20 By: Dakir Madiha

Zoom

In a recent interview with NBC News, U.S. President Donald Trump stirred significant controversy by suggesting that he is open to the possibility of running for a third term in 2028. Trump remarked, “There are methods” by which he could pursue this ambition, insisting he was “not joking” about the prospect.

Speaking later to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump elaborated on his statement, claiming a growing chorus of supporters has urged him to seek a third term, which he framed as a "fourth term" due to his belief that the 2020 election was “totally rigged.” This assertion references his defeat to former President Joe Biden, further complicating the political landscape as Trump contemplates extending his presidency.

The U.S. Constitution poses a formidable obstacle to Trump’s aspirations: the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. This amendment was introduced following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency during World War II, aimed at preventing any future president from holding office indefinitely.

Trump's allusions to extending his tenure are not entirely new. Shortly after winning re-election in 2024, he reportedly hinted to House Republicans that he might consider staying in office beyond a second term. While some dismissed these remarks as mere speculation, his recent statements indicate a more serious intent.

Amidst this backdrop, some conservatives are rallying around the idea of Trump extending his presidency. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, expressed support for a potential third term during last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), stating, “We want Trump in ’28.”

Support from grassroots followers is also evident. Kayla Thompson, a former paralegal from Wisconsin, articulated her enthusiasm for another Trump term, claiming, “America needs him. America is headed in the right direction, and if he doesn’t do it, we’re probably headed backward.”

In response to Trump’s assertions, his allies are taking measures to facilitate a third term. Earlier this year, Representative Andy Ogles introduced a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution that would permit a president to serve “up to but no more than three terms.” This proposal aims to alter the 22nd Amendment to allow a maximum of three elected terms.

Criticism of Trump’s comments has been swift from Democratic leaders. Representative Daniel Goldman, who previously served as lead counsel during Trump’s first impeachment, warned that these remarks signal Trump’s authoritarian ambitions. “This is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy,” Goldman stated. He urged Congressional Republicans to stand against Trump’s third-term aspirations.

Butch Ware, the Green Party’s 2024 vice-presidential nominee, also condemned Republican ambitions for power and criticized Democrats' complacency. In a social media statement, Ware suggested that Trump’s rhetoric reflects a disregard for constitutional norms, calling it a reflection of the current political climate.

While earlier reports characterized Trump’s comments about a third term as "more a tease than a pledge," they are viewed with increasing seriousness by many observers. Trump's presidency has already been marked by executive actions that critics argue undermine constitutional principles and the integrity of U.S. democracy.