Donald Trump has publicly declared he’s “not joking” about serving a third presidential term, raising constitutional questions about the 22nd Amendment’s explicit two-term limit.
Key Takeaways
- Trump stated in an NBC News interview that there are “methods” to pursue a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit.
- Legal experts dispute the viability of pursuing a third term, with some suggesting constitutional workarounds involving Vice President JD Vance.
- A constitutional amendment would require two-thirds majority in Congress or support from two-thirds of state legislatures – a significant political challenge.
- Trump has previously made similar statements about serving beyond two terms, often characterized as provocative remarks.
- Some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Ogles, have proposed resolutions to extend presidential term limits.
Trump Expresses Interest in Third Term
In a recent NBC News interview, President Donald Trump expressed interest in potentially serving a third presidential term, despite the constitutional barrier presented by the 22nd Amendment. Trump stated that “there are methods which you could do it” and emphasized he was “not joking” about the possibility. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency, explicitly limits presidents to serving two terms, making Trump’s comments particularly noteworthy for their challenge to established constitutional boundaries.
Trump cited his popularity as justification, claiming “a lot of people want me to do it” – though Gallup polling data contradicts his assertions about his approval ratings. Critics have characterized these statements as part of a pattern of rhetoric challenging democratic norms and constitutional limitations.
🚨 BREAKING: President Donald Trump on serving a 3rd term as president
“A lot of people want me to do it."
“I’m not joking,” Trump said, when asked to clarify [NBC interview]. “But I’m not — it is far too early to think about it.”
“There are methods which you could do it.” pic.twitter.com/O6kyOfuaNL
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 30, 2025
Legal Pathways and Constitutional Hurdles
Legal experts have outlined several theoretical approaches Trump might consider to circumvent the 22nd Amendment, though most emphasize these would face significant constitutional challenges. New York University law professor Stephen Gillers suggested one scenario involving Vice President JD Vance that would technically avoid Trump being “elected” to a third term. This complex arrangement would require careful legal maneuvering within constitutional boundaries. “Trump can be nominated as vice president with Vance nominated to be president. If the Vance-Trump ticket wins, Vance resigns and Trump becomes president. He then chooses Vance to be his vice president. The Senate would have to confirm Vance,” explained Gillers.
However, Gillers also identified potential constitutional obstacles, noting, “There is one possible problem with this tactic. The last sentence of the 12th Amendment says, ‘But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of vice president of the United States.'” The most straightforward approach would be amending the Constitution itself, which requires either a two-thirds majority in Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification by three-fourths of states.
Political Realities and Historical Context
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani addressed the political feasibility of Trump’s ambitions, “Politically, Trump doesn’t have the votes to repeal the 22nd Amendment, either in Congress or the states,” said Rahmani. This assessment highlights the significant political hurdles beyond the legal questions. Some congressional Republicans have demonstrated support for extending presidential term limits, with Representative Andy Ogles proposing a resolution that could potentially allow Trump another term.
Trump’s comments about serving a third term are not new. Throughout his first presidency and afterward, he has made similar remarks, often framed by supporters as humorous or provocative statements rather than serious policy proposals. The persistent nature of these comments, however, has fueled ongoing debate about presidential term limits in American politics. Trump’s latest statements appear more direct than previous instances, specifically stating he was “not joking” while discussing potential methods to remain in office beyond two terms.
Sources:
Trump says he’s looking for ways to serve a third term as president
Donald Trump’s Pathways to a Third Term
