WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former President Donald Trump has suggested that serving beyond a second term may not be out of the question, hinting at potential ways to work around the constitutional limit.
During a Sunday phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated, “I’m not joking” when asked about the possibility of running for a third term. While acknowledging that it was too soon to seriously consider, he indicated that there were ways it could happen.
Constitutional Limits and Loopholes
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, clearly restricts U.S. presidents to two terms following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency. Despite this, Trump did not dismiss the idea of serving beyond the typical eight years.
NBC’s Kristen Welker questioned whether one potential strategy could involve Vice President JD Vance running for office, with the intention of passing leadership back to Trump later.
“Well, that’s one,” Trump admitted, before adding, “But there are others, too.”
When pressed to elaborate on alternative methods, he declined to provide specifics.
Past Mentions of Extending Presidency
Trump has previously floated the idea of serving beyond two terms, often in a lighthearted manner at rallies and events. In January, he quipped about the idea during a House Republican retreat, asking, “Am I allowed to run again?”
While no formal plans have been made, his latest remarks suggest that the idea remains on his mind as political discussions continue to unfold .
