Trump Suggests a Possible 3rd Term, Claims “There Are Methods”

In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of seeking a third term in office, despite the constitutional limitation set by the 22nd Amendment. Trump stated that “there are methods” to circumvent the two-term restriction.

Trump suggested one possibility where Vice President JD Vance could run in 2028, then step down, allowing Trump to assume the presidency. While Trump didn’t elaborate on other strategies, he insisted he was “not joking.”

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, prohibits any person from being elected president more than twice. Legal experts have pointed out that such an approach could violate constitutional provisions, with Notre Dame law professor Derek Muller clarifying that Trump could not serve as vice president if he were ineligible for the presidency under the 22nd Amendment.

The proposal to amend the 22nd Amendment, introduced by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles, would allow for non-consecutive terms but faces significant political and legal hurdles, CNN reported.

Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, who served two consecutive terms, would not be eligible for a third term under Rep. Andy Ogles’ proposed amendment. Only Trump, who won in 2016 and 2024 but lost in 2020, could potentially benefit from such a change. However, not all Republicans support altering the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Trump added the idea was premature, stating he is “focused on the current.”