President Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again by suggesting he may seek a third term in office, claiming there are “methods” to do so despite the constitutional two-term limit imposed on U.S. presidents.
Speaking during a campaign event, Trump told the crowd he was “not joking” about the idea of a third term, adding that certain legal or procedural avenues may allow for it under specific conditions. Though he did not elaborate on what those methods might be, his remarks immediately reignited debate over presidential term limits and constitutional interpretation.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly limits presidents to two elected terms. However, Trump alluded to potential strategies that he believes could be used to challenge or circumvent the restriction, fueling speculation about how he or his legal advisors may attempt to redefine the scope of presidential eligibility.
Supporters at the event cheered the statement, viewing it as a sign of Trump’s continued dominance within the Republican Party and his desire to reshape long-standing political norms. Critics, however, condemned the remarks as a threat to democratic institutions and a clear indication that Trump may attempt to test the boundaries of presidential authority if re-elected.
Legal scholars quickly weighed in, with many emphasizing that the Constitution provides no allowance for a third term unless the amendment is repealed or reinterpreted through unprecedented legal action. Others warned that the suggestion, while possibly rhetorical, could signal future efforts to weaken existing checks on executive power.
The comments come as Trump ramps up his 2024 campaign with increasingly aggressive rhetoric aimed at energizing his base. His remarks about a third term are expected to remain a flashpoint in the political conversation as the election season intensifies and the former president continues to challenge traditional norms of governance.