President Donald Trump has recently suggested the possibility of seeking a third term, stating he is “not joking” about the idea. However, the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly limits presidents to two elected terms.
Despite this constitutional restriction, some legal experts have speculated about potential strategies to circumvent the two-term limit. For instance, one discussed approach involves Trump running as vice president with an ally at the top of the ticket, who could then resign, allowing Trump to assume the presidency again. However, such maneuvers would likely face significant legal challenges and are considered highly improbable.
To lawfully pursue a third term, a constitutional amendment repealing or modifying the 22nd Amendment would be necessary. This process requires approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures—a challenging and lengthy endeavor.
In summary, while President Trump has expressed interest in a third term, the constitutional framework currently in place prohibits such a possibility. Any attempt to alter this would necessitate a substantial and complex amendment process.