Republican President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not joking about the possibility of seeking a third presidential term, despite the U.S. Constitution’s clear prohibition against it.
Speaking in a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump emphasized that the idea was not a joke but acknowledged that it was too early to seriously consider.
“No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” Trump stated. “It is far too early to think about it.”
Trump, who took office on January 20 for his second, non-consecutive White House term, hinted that there are ways to potentially pursue a third term. “There are methods which you could do it, as you know,” he said, though he declined to specify.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two four-year terms, whether served consecutively or not. To change this, a constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 U.S. states.
Despite these challenges, some of Trump’s allies are actively exploring the possibility. Longtime adviser Steve Bannon said during a March 19 interview with NewsNation that he believes Trump will run again in 2028. Bannon noted that he and others are looking into the legal interpretation of a term limit.
“We're working on it,” Bannon stated.
Trump, who at 78 became the oldest U.S. president at the time of his inauguration, would be 82 if he sought another four-year term following the 2028 election.
The idea of serving more than two terms has been largely off-limits in U.S. politics since the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951. The precedent of a two-term limit dates back to George Washington in 1796, who chose to step down after his second term. Franklin D. Roosevelt broke this tradition by serving four terms during the Great Depression and World War II before dying in office in 1945.
Trump’s remarks, as well as his allies’ efforts, suggest that the concept of extending his time in office remains an ongoing discussion — one that may intensify as the next election approaches.
Joseph Kent, head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday (17 March), becoming the most senior official in President Dona...
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the country’s military killed two of Iran’s most senior security figu...
A series of severe storms, blizzards and tornadoes on Monday disrupted life across much of the U.S., leaving more than 12,500 flights delayed or ca...
China’s international trade representative has said Beijing and Washington have reached a “preliminary consensus” on some key iss...
Tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have surged after the Taliban government accused Islamabad of carrying out an attack that killed m...
Joseph Kent, head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday (17 March), becoming the most senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration to step down over the war in Iran. Kent cited his opposition to the conflict, stating that Tehran posed no imminent threat.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the country’s military killed two of Iran’s most senior security figures in overnight airstrikes, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
A series of severe storms, blizzards and tornadoes on Monday disrupted life across much of the U.S., leaving more than 12,500 flights delayed or cancelled and forcing schools, federal offices and communities to take emergency precautions.
China’s international trade representative has said Beijing and Washington have reached a “preliminary consensus” on some key issues following their latest round of talks in Paris, offering a cautious sign of progress in a relationship long marked by tension and uncertainty.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
President Donald Trump said NATO is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to help the U.S. as Israel Katz confirmed Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes.
Kazakhstan has adopted a new constitution that could allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to stay in power beyond 2029. The Central Election Commission confirmed that 87.15% of voters backed the constitution in a referendum held on Sunday (17 March).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.
A series of severe storms, blizzards and tornadoes on Monday disrupted life across much of the U.S., leaving more than 12,500 flights delayed or cancelled and forcing schools, federal offices and communities to take emergency precautions.
China’s international trade representative has said Beijing and Washington have reached a “preliminary consensus” on some key issues following their latest round of talks in Paris, offering a cautious sign of progress in a relationship long marked by tension and uncertainty.
Chile’s newly inaugurated president, José Antonio Kast, has taken his first major step on immigration, launching plans for a fortified barrier along the country’s northern border just days after entering office.
A Russian drone attack damaged industrial, port, and energy infrastructure in Ukraine's southern Odesa region overnight. The strikes disrupted power supplies in several settlements, prompting local authorities to switch critical facilities to backup power generators.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 17 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment