Trump Revives Speculation on a Third Term Despite Constitutional Barriers
During a recent NBC interview, Trump hinted at a third term, triggering debate amid challenges to the 22nd Amendment's implications.
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In the end, the powder is not worth the prize in raising this prospect.
JONATHAN TURLEY: Can Trump serve a third term?
FOX News·19d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
President Donald Trump has alluded to arcane legal arguments in repeatedly suggesting he could seek a third term.
Why does the US restrict its presidents to 2 terms? A look at the tradition Trump is questioning
Boston Herald·19d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
The more Trump can keep Democrats focused on attacking him and a mythical third term, the less time they’ll have to establish a coherent message for voters.
Trump won't run for a third term. But he can keep Democrats on their losing streak. | Opinion
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Even if Trump doesn’t go for a third term, even if the Democrats win the next election, the US’s descent into techno-authoritarianism isn’t going to be easily reversed.
Donald Trump is eyeing up a third term – and no one is opposing him | Arwa Mahdawi
The Guardian·19d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Trump, on the other hand, makes clear that any changes in law or tradition would be for his benefit.
Why does the US restrict its presidents to 2 terms? A look at the tradition Trump is questioning
Associated Press·19d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The knowledge that Trump may bid to stay in power, in a direct challenge to the 22nd Amendment, already has election officials in secretaries of state offices throughout the country bracing for legal battles that could begin as soon as next year.
A Trump bid for a third term could set off legal battles in states nationwide
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Even so, the conversation reflects broader concerns on the Left of democratic erosion and institutional fragility.
Trump 2028? The Constitution may leave a back door open - Washington Examiner
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The president has often cracked jokes about possibly running for a third term, but none of it seemed even remotely serious until his remarks on Sunday.
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The remarks prompted Ashley Hayek of America First Works to BS about the 2020 election, which drew a swift rebuke from the host:
‘We Are NOT Doing That’: Abby Phillip Shuts Down Election Denier
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With a party that's remade itself in his image in the years since it is doubtful he'd be so humble with nothing but the Constitution between him and a third term.
"I'd love that": Trump welcomes a showdown with Obama to take third-term
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A constitutional amendment would need to be passed by two-thirds of the House and Senate and then be ratified by three-fourths of states — likely an impossibility in the face of Democratic opposition.
Trump says he would like to run against Obama if he could pursue a third term
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Trump’s latest comments are the farthest he has gone to date in addressing the prospect of a third term, even as he sought to downplay the conversation as being too early into his second term.
Trump sparks debate with third-term talk
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The measure is extremely unlikely to pass, as it would require the support of two-thirds of the House and the Senate, as well as three-fourths of state legislatures.
Republican leaders in Congress downplay Trump's talk of a third term as president
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By even asserting a right to serve a third term, Trump is opening the door.
Trump’s “third term” comments, briefly explained
Vox·19d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Notably, the 22nd Amendment bars anyone from being elected president "more than twice."
Trump Amused at Running Against Obama
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There is virtually no possibility that the required two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-quarters of the U.S. states would vote to abolish the 22nd Amendment.
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Summary
At a rally in Bozeman, President Trump intensified speculation about a potential third term, claiming he is 'not joking.' In an NBC interview, he suggested 'methods' to circumvent the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. Critics warn that this would violate historical norms, while legal experts highlight challenges related to ballot access and party unity as divisions within the GOP persist. Trump also mentioned a scenario where Vice President JD Vance could run for president and allow Trump to take over if Vance wins. However, many analysts believe he is primarily engaging in a media strategy rather than seeking a third term.
Perspectives
Many top Republicans downplay Trump's serious aspirations for a third term, citing the constitutional barriers and suggesting he is likely making the comments for fun or to stay politically relevant.
Despite speculation, there is broad consensus among lawmakers that amending the 22nd Amendment to allow a third term for Trump is extremely unlikely due to the required support levels in Congress and among the states.
Some Republicans express concern that Trump's comments may merely distract from vital political issues, while others interpret them as a way to gauge political support.
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