The 22nd amendment bars presidents from a third term in office. Is it enough to stop Trump?
Donald Trump and his team have repeatedly joked about the possibility of a third term in 2028, despite the 22nd Amendment, which limits U.S. presidents to two terms. Trump has floated the idea of running again, even referencing historical figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and suggesting a potential third or fourth term. His supporters have chanted "four more years" at events, and figures like Steve Bannon have echoed support for Trump running in 2028. The 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits a third term, but Trump has sometimes dismissed constitutional limits, and some of his rhetoric has raised concerns about authoritarianism. Congressional Democrats have proposed measures to clarify the amendment's application, and historical precedents, such as Grover Cleveland's non-consecutive terms, have been referenced in debates. Trump's repeated comments about a third term have sparked speculation about his intentions, though he has also expressed uncertainty about pursuing another term.
