A newsletter known as the White House Watch, providing insights into the implications of the 2024 US election for Washington and globally, is available for free access.
During a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Donald Trump stated that he was “not joking” about the possibility of serving a third term. He mentioned that there were “methods” to circumvent the constitutional restriction that prevents US presidents from being elected three times. While he acknowledged that “it is far too early to think about it,” Trump confirmed he was considering the option. At 78, Trump claimed, “A lot of people want me to do it,” though he noted, “We have a long way to go; it’s very early in the administration.”
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution indicates that “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” However, Trump suggested, “There are methods which you could do it.” Achieving this would necessitate either a two-thirds vote in Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the states.
Andy Ogles, a Republican House member from Tennessee, has proposed amending the 22nd Amendment to permit Trump to run for another term. However, this proposal lacks sufficient support in Congress and among the states. Trump has frequently joked about the idea of running for a third term. By entertaining this improbable scenario, Trump, who falsely claimed that he did not lose the 2020 election, not only taunts Democrats but also tries to avoid being perceived as a lame duck during a potential second term.
When questioned about the possibility of Vice President JD Vance winning the White House in 2028 and subsequently passing the presidency to Trump, Trump stated that was “one” option but noted there were “others, too.” Steve Bannon, who served as Trump’s chief strategist for part of his first term, has expressed his belief that the US president “will run and win again in 2028.”
