Trump Drops Bombshell: Hints at Third Term Despite Constitutional Limits

Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump has done it again—shaking up the political landscape with a statement that has left America buzzing. In a stunning interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Sunday, the former and current President did not rule out the possibility of pursuing a third term in the White House, despite the ironclad 22nd Amendment prohibiting it. And this time, he insists he’s not joking.

“A lot of people want me to do it,” Trump declared over the phone. “But … my thinking is, we have a long way to go. I’m focused on the current.”

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency, firmly states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Yet Trump teased that there are ways around it. When asked if there was a specific plan in play, he cryptically responded, “There are methods which you could do it.” One floated strategy involves Vice President JD Vance running in 2028 and later “passing the baton” back to Trump. Trump confirmed, “Well, that’s one. But there are others too.” Then, in classic Trump fashion, he left America hanging, refusing to elaborate.

This isn’t the first time Trump has toyed with the idea of a third term. During a Nevada rally in January, he told supporters, “It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve, not once but twice or three times or four times.” Though it seemed like a joke at the time, he later clarified: “No, it will be to serve twice. For the next four years, I will not rest.” Yet, Sunday’s comments suggest he’s more serious than ever.

Trump’s inner circle is already stirring the pot. Steve Bannon has argued that the 22nd Amendment does not specify whether terms must be consecutive, opening a potential loophole. Meanwhile, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has proposed legislation to modify the amendment, allowing nonconsecutive two-term presidents another shot—conveniently excluding Barack Obama from eligibility.

But changing the Constitution is no easy feat. Any amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-quarters of the states. Legal experts like Michael Waldman, CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, have dismissed the idea as a nonstarter. “It’s illegal. He has no chance. That’s all there is to say,” Waldman told CNN.

Yet, with Trump, anything seems possible. If re-elected in 2024, he would leave office in January 2029 at 82 years and 7 months old, surpassing Joe Biden’s record as the oldest U.S. president in history.

Could Trump make history again with a third term? Love him or hate him, the conversation is far from over.