Donald Trump has sparked discussions about a potential ‘loophole’ which might permit him to run for a third presidential term, even though the US Constitution explicitly prohibits such a scenario.
While the idea of someone running for a third term is virtually inconceivable due to constitutional limits, Trump’s allusion to the possibility suggests there might be a pathway for him to pursue it.
Having taken office again in January for a second time, Trump has mentioned a ‘loophole’ that could enable him to run, despite the restrictions imposed by the 22nd Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The 22nd Amendment clearly prohibits any individual from serving more than two terms in the presidential office.
Recently, Trump asserted that his intentions to run again were serious, not merely a jest.
During a phone interview last month with NBC News, he indicated that ‘there are methods’ by which the Constitution could be circumvented.
TIME Magazine followed up on this topic, asking him about potential ‘loopholes’ in the supreme law.
When the publication asked, “You recently said you were ‘not joking’ about seeking a third term and that there were methods to do it. What methods?” Trump replied: “I’d rather not discuss that now, but as you know, there are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known.
“But I don’t believe in loopholes,” Trump expressed. “I don’t believe in using loopholes.”
The loophole he’s referring to might align with US Representative Andy Ogles’ suggestion regarding Trump’s next potential term, which proposes modifying the law to state: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected for any additional term after serving two consecutive terms, and no person who has held or acted as President for more than two years of a term to which another person was elected shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
This proposal implies that Trump’s non-consecutive presidencies could permit another consecutive term.
However, is there public support for another Trump candidacy?
Perhaps not.
The Pew Research Center recently reported that only 40 percent of survey respondents approve of Trump’s performance in office, a decrease of seven percent since February.
Nonetheless, if any loopholes are exploited, he might still pursue another term.
One potential strategy could involve Vice President J.D. Vance winning the 2028 election on a Vance-Trump ticket and subsequently resigning.
“I don’t know anything about, what, look, all I can say is this, I am being inundated with requests,” Trump remarked. “I’m doing a good job.”
Despite his apparent interest in running again, previous statements from Trump suggest a differing stance.
When questioned by TIME in the past about potentially ‘challenging the 22nd Amendment,’ Trump reportedly stated: “I’m going to serve one term. I’m going to do a great job, and I’m going to leave.”
When asked what prompted the change of heart, Trump responded: “Well, I’m serving two terms now.”
Upon further inquiry about serving ‘one in addition to the one you already served,’ Trump said: “I have more people begging me to run again, but I haven’t looked at even the possibility.
“But the only thing that’s changed is they think I’m doing a great job, and they like the way I’m running the country.”