Trump eyes third term, but legal barriers remain high

Reuters
Reuters

President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not joking about seeking a third presidential term but did not clarify how he would circumvent the U.S. Constitution’s two-term limit.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” This amendment was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, breaking the precedent set by George Washington.

While Trump’s allies could theoretically change the Constitution, doing so is highly improbable. Constitutional amendments require two-thirds support in the House and Senate or a convention called by two-thirds of the states, followed by ratification by 38 of the 50 state legislatures.

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles has proposed an amendment allowing three non-consecutive presidential terms, which could permit Trump to serve again starting in 2029. However, intense political polarization makes this path unlikely.

Trump also floated the possibility of running as vice president under J.D. Vance in 2028, only for Vance to resign if elected. But this strategy would violate the 12th Amendment, which states that anyone ineligible for the presidency cannot serve as vice president.

Legal experts remain skeptical of Trump's prospects for a third term, but his efforts have already stirred significant debate.

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