President Donald Trump has once more fueled speculation over his own future in politics, telling a gathering of supporters he is “not joking” about seeking a third term, although constitutional prohibitions at present exclude it.
In a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump addressed the ongoing discussion about his potential third-term bid. “No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” he affirmed, though he also acknowledged that “it is far too early to think about it.”
Exploring the Possibilities
Trump hinted that there is a method of extending his term in office, saying, “There are ways which you could do it, as you know,” but not mentioning what they are.
The 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, enacted in 1951, categorically forbids “any person from being elected to the office of president more than twice.” Repeal of this amendment would require two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate and three-fourths of the 50 states—a stringent legislative edict.
Trump was also asked in the interview if his vice president, JD Vance, would become president first and then step down to pave the way for Trump to resume the office of president.
Trump conceded that it was a possible tactic, responding, “That’s one” possibility, before going on, “But there are others, too.”
Historical Precedents and Challenges
The two-term precedent was started by George Washington, who retired voluntarily after two terms in 1796. It was a precedent that remained unbroken until Franklin D. Roosevelt was re-elected to a third term in 1940 during World War II. Roosevelt was re-elected to a fourth term but passed away in 1945, and Congress made the two-term limitation official in the 22nd Amendment.
Trump, who began his second, non-consecutive term in January 2025, has frequently hinted at staying in power beyond 2028.
Some of his allies have also entertained the idea, with longtime adviser Steve Bannon stating in a March 19 interview with NewsNation, “We’re working on it.” He further suggested that Trump’s team is exploring ways to reinterpret term limits to make a third term feasible.
What’s Next?
If Trump were to run for re-election in 2028, he would be 82 years old, the oldest president ever. Although his words are likely among his defining political bluster, they pose very seriously as well the future of term limitation for American presidents.
Whether or not Trump’s ego realizes itself in an enforceable third-term bid remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his influence on American politics is far from over.
