Trump Teases 2028 Third Term: But Could He Actually Do It?

Recent discussions about presidential term limits have intensified following former President Donald Trump's comments about serving beyond two terms, despite constitutional restrictions. Allison Robbert/Pool via Imagn Images

During a recent meeting with GOP House colleagues, Trump remarked, "I suspect I won't be running again, unless you do something. Unless you say, 'He's so good, we have to just figure it out.'" United States House of Representatives / Wikimedia

While Republican representatives, including Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, characterized these comments as humorous, telling The Hill, "That was a joke. It was clearly a joke," the statements have sparked broader constitutional discourse. Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms, explicitly limits presidents to two terms in office. Leon Perskie / Wikimedia

The amendment was designed to prevent extended presidential tenures like FDR's, who served from 1932 until his death in 1945. PD-US / Wikimedia

In U.S. presidential history, Grover Cleveland stands alone as the only commander-in-chief to serve two non-consecutive terms, winning the presidency in 1884 and returning to office in 1892 after a four-year hiatus. Frederick Gutekunst / Wikimedia

Trump has made several public statements regarding term limits. At a National Rifle Association convention, he referenced FDR's presidency, questioning, "You know, FDR 16 years — almost 16 years — he was four terms. I don't know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term?" Luke Johnson / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, when directly questioned about serving a third term, Trump told TIME in April, "I wouldn't be in favor of it. I wouldn't be in favor of a challenge [to the 22nd Amendment]. Not for me." The White House / Wikimedia

In response to these discussions, Democratic Representative Dan Goldman of New York has introduced a resolution to clarify that the 22nd Amendment applies to aggregate terms, even if non-consecutive. US House / Wikimedia

"We are a nation of laws, not kings," Goldman posted on X, previously known as Twitter. "The 22nd Amendment is clear that no person can be elected President more than twice. Any attempt by Donald Trump to do so is blatantly unconstitutional, and I call on my colleagues – D or R – to stand by their oath to defend the Constitution." Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

The resolution faces uncertain prospects in the Republican-controlled House. Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Any modification to the 22nd Amendment would require significant bipartisan support, needing a two-thirds majority in both congressional chambers and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures. Architect of the Capitol / Wikimedia

The only constitutional amendment ever to be repealed is the 18th Amendment, which had ushered in the era of Prohibition. Currier and Ives / Wikimedia