Trump Says Again He Wants To Serve A Third Term: ‘I’m Not Joking’

President Donald Trump expressed interest in serving a third term as president again – despite the constitutional prohibition outlined in the 22nd Amendment. In an interview with NBC on Sunday, Trump stated, “I’m not joking” about seeking a third term, saying that “there are methods which you could do it.”

The 22nd Amendment, which was ratified in 1951, restricts anyone from being elected to the presidency more than twice. However, Trump supporters are suggesting a loophole. Since the 22nd Amendment only states, “No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice,” Trump could technically take office a third term by way of succession rather than election. Under this scenario, if Vice President J.D. Vance potentially runs and wins in the 2028 election, and if he were to resign after taking office, Trump could succeed him in the position.

In the NBC interview, Kristen Welker suggested this strategy to Trump, to which he responded, “Well, that’s one. But there are others too,” suggesting that there may be other methods he could be considering. 

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement, “Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies. As the President said, it’s far too early to think about it, and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.” 

Democrats find Trump’s intentions deeply troubling. Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-New York), who was the lead counsel for Trump’s first impeachment, said, “This is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy.” He further challenged Republicans, saying that if they “believe in the Constitution, they will go on the record opposing Trump’s ambitions for a third term. Some members of Trump’s own party also oppose the suggestion.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) said, “I’m not changing the constitution…unless the American people choose to do that.”