WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – President Donald Trump caused a stir on Sunday when he hinted at the possibility of seeking a third term in office, despite legal restrictions that bar a president from serving more than two terms. In an interview with NBC News, Trump asserted his seriousness about exploring ways to extend his presidency beyond 2029 when his second term ends.
Trump acknowledged that it was premature to delve into the details, emphasizing that there are potential methods to circumvent the constitutional limit on presidential terms. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was a response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s record-breaking four consecutive terms in office and explicitly prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice.
When pressed by NBC’s Kristen Welker about the potential for Vice President JD Vance to run for the presidency and then step aside for Trump, the President hinted at alternative strategies without elaborating. Trump, who would be 82 at the conclusion of his second term, expressed his affinity for the demanding role of the presidency, suggesting that his popularity among Americans would facilitate a potential third term.
Contrary to his claims of unparalleled popularity, Trump’s approval ratings fall short of historical highs achieved by past Republican presidents. Citing Gallup data, Trump erroneously stated that he held the highest approval ratings in a century, neglecting the soaring ratings of Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush during pivotal moments in their presidencies. Despite his repeated jests about extending his time in office beyond two terms, Trump’s recent remarks affirm a more serious consideration of the matter.
This latest revelation adds to the speculation surrounding Trump’s post-presidency ambitions, hinting at a potential path for his continued influence in American politics well beyond his second term. As critics and supporters alike analyze the implications of Trump’s remarks, the focus remains on the legal and ethical boundaries that could be tested in the pursuit of an unprecedented third term.