Trump Insists He Is ‘Not Joking’ About Seeking a Third Term

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By Staff Writer with Agencies

Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his interest in seeking a third term in office, stating in an interview with NBC News on Sunday that he is “not joking” about the possibility, despite clear constitutional restrictions barring such a move.

During the phone interview, Trump was directly asked about the speculation surrounding his potential bid for a third term. “No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” he asserted. However, he also added, “It is far too early to think about it.”

Hints at Possible Paths to a Third Term

Trump suggested there may be avenues to extend his presidency beyond 2028, though he declined to provide specific details. “There are methods which you could do it, as you know,” he said, leaving the legal and political implications open to interpretation.

One potential scenario raised in the interview involved his running mate, Vice President JD Vance, stepping aside to allow Trump to reassume the presidency. Trump acknowledged this possibility, saying, “That’s one” approach, but hinted at other strategies, stating, “But there are others, too.”

Constitutional and Historical Barriers

The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment explicitly limits presidents to two four-year terms, whether served consecutively or not. It states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice.”

Overturning this amendment would require a constitutional change, including a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 U.S. states—a highly improbable scenario given the political climate.

The precedent of the two-term limit originated with George Washington, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms in 1796. This tradition was upheld for over a century until Franklin D. Roosevelt won a third term in 1940 during the Great Depression and World War II. Roosevelt was elected to a fourth term but passed away in 1945, prompting Congress to ratify the 22nd Amendment in 1951.

Trump and Allies Fuel Speculation

Trump, who began his second, non-consecutive term in January, has repeatedly hinted at extending his presidency. Some of his allies have openly discussed ways to keep him in office beyond 2028. Longtime adviser Steve Bannon, in a March 19 interview with NewsNation, stated, “We’re working on it,” adding that Trump’s team is exploring ways to reinterpret the legal framework surrounding term limits.

If Trump were to seek a third term in the 2028 election, he would be 82 years old at the time of inauguration—matching the age of President Joe Biden when he began his second term in 2025.

While Trump’s remarks may further energize his supporters, they are likely to intensify political and legal scrutiny over any potential attempt to extend his presidency beyond what is constitutionally permitted.