Trump Says He’s ‘Not Joking’ About Seeking a Third Term in Defiance of Constitution
US President Donald Trump has once again sparked controversy by suggesting he might seek a third term in office, despite the U.S. Constitution explicitly prohibiting it. At a recent rally, Trump claimed he was “not joking” about the idea, raising concerns among political analysts and constitutional scholars.
Can Trump Actually Run for a Third Term?
The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly states:
“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.”
This amendment was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms in office. Under current U.S. law, Trump cannot legally run for a third term unless the Constitution is amended, which would require an exceptionally high level of political support from both Congress and the states—an unlikely scenario given the current political climate.
What Do Democrats Say?
Democratic leaders have swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them an attack on the Constitution and democracy itself. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Trump’s words are not just rhetoric; they are part of a broader pattern of undermining our democratic institutions. He knows very well he cannot run for a third term, yet he continues to sow doubt and confusion.”
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Others have pointed to Trump’s previous false claims of election fraud in 2020 as evidence that he continues to challenge the integrity of the electoral system.
What Do Americans Think?
Public reaction to Trump’s statement has been mixed. His core base of supporters sees the idea as a reflection of his enduring popularity and a way to “fix” what they believe was a rigged 2020 election. “If the people want him back, why should a rule from 70 years ago stop us?” said one Trump supporter at the rally.
On the other hand, constitutional scholars and a majority of Americans strongly oppose the idea. A recent poll suggests that over 60% of voters would reject any attempt to overturn the two-term limit. Many Americans, regardless of party affiliation, view the 22nd Amendment as a safeguard against authoritarianism.
The Bottom Line
While Trump’s statement has ignited debate, the legal and political barriers to a third term remain formidable. Unless a significant constitutional change occurs—a near impossibility given the current political divide—Trump’s comments appear to be more of a strategic rallying cry than a genuine possibility. However, his continued assertions highlight ongoing concerns about democratic norms in the United States as the country heads into another critical election cycle.
