Politics
Trump: ‘Not Joking’ About Third Term Despite Constitutional Ban
By Jake Beardslee · March 30, 2025
Trump Hints at Possible Third Term Despite Constitutional Limits
President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by suggesting he might pursue a third term in office—despite the clear constitutional prohibition. In a phone interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker, Trump stated he's "not joking" about the idea and hinted that "there are methods which you could do it." THOMAS CORDY/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trump Says 'A Lot of People' Want Him to Run Again
Although Trump did not elaborate on those methods, his remarks have reignited speculation about his long-term ambitions. "A lot of people want me to do it," Trump said, before adding, "But I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it's very early in the administration." Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Allies Float Legal Loopholes for Trump’s Return
While the U.S. Constitution, through the 22nd Amendment, strictly limits presidents to two elected terms, Trump floated the notion of legal loopholes or unconventional tactics.Welker offered a hypothetical scenario: “Well, let me throw out one where President Vance would run for office and then would, basically, if, if you — if he won, at the top of the ticket, would then pass the baton to you.”
Trump acknowledged the possibility, responding, “Well, that’s one. But there are others, too. There are others.” Tara Winstead / Pexels
Rahmani Dismisses Third-Term Possibility as Implausible
"Aside from the potential vice president loophole, there is no legal path for Trump to run for a third term," said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, to Newsweek. He added that Trump lacks the political support necessary to repeal the amendment. Henry4343 / Wikimedia
Bannon Predicts Trump Will Run Again in 2028
Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally and former White House adviser, recently told NewsNation, “I’m a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again in 2028... A man like this comes along once every century.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Critics Warn of Trump’s Pattern: 'Jokes' Becoming Doctrine
Many observers, however, believe these remarks are part of a pattern. Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman told Newsweek in January, “By now, Donald Trump's pattern is predictable: 'joke' about something unconstitutional or authoritarian; normalize the 'joke'; allow sycophantic Republicans to adopt the 'joke' as a serious idea until it becomes MAGA orthodoxy.” US House / Wikimedia
Trump Previously Opposed Amending Term Limits
Trump himself previously told Time magazine in April 2024 that he does not support altering the 22nd Amendment. “I wouldn't be in favor of it at all. I intend to serve four years and do a great job,” he said at the time. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Recent Remarks Reignite Third-Term Speculation
Despite that earlier stance, Trump's recent remarks appear to leave the door open, at least rhetorically, to the idea of a third term—further fueling political debate over his intentions and the durability of constitutional norms. Brett Sayles / Pexels