By Joke Kujenya
UNITED STATES President Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of a third term in office, despite the U.S. Constitution’s explicit two-term limit.
In a recent phone interview with NBC News, Trump suggested that there are “methods” to bypass the restriction, adding that many of his supporters are urging him to seek reelection beyond his current term.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” Trump said. “But I tell them, we have a long way to go. It’s very early in the administration.”
When pressed on whether concrete plans had been presented to him to extend his presidency, Trump responded, “There are methods which you could do it.”
However, he did not elaborate on what those methods might be.
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly prohibits any president from being elected to more than two terms.
It was introduced following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency, which raised concerns over prolonged executive power.
Amending the Constitution to allow a third term would require a supermajority—approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-quarters of U.S. states.
Such a process would be highly unlikely given the current political landscape.
In January, Republican Representative Andy Ogles introduced a bill proposing an amendment to permit a third term for a president.
He argued that Trump had demonstrated unique leadership in modern history.
However, legal experts maintain that the amendment process remains a long shot.
Despite constitutional barriers, Trump’s remarks have reignited debates over executive power, with critics warning of the potential erosion of democratic norms.
Opponents argue that any effort to extend presidential terms undermines the foundational principles of U.S. democracy, originally set forth by George Washington, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms.
