Trump Hints at Loophole to Run for a Third Term: Could It Be Possible?

Donald Trump Claims There Might Be Ways Around the Constitution’s Two-Term Limit

Former President Donald Trump may not be allowed to run for a third term — but he's raising some eyebrows by hinting that the possibility could still be on the table. While the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment clearly limits presidents to two terms, Trump has suggested there may be a “loophole” that could potentially allow him to extend his time in office.

In a recent NBC News interview, Trump remarked:

"A lot of people want me to do it. But I usually tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s still early in the administration."

Is Donald Trump Really Considering a Third Term?

Though it’s early into President Trump’s second term, speculation about a potential third term has already begun. Despite the clear constitutional restrictions, Trump has not fully dismissed the idea of serving beyond two terms.

In the March 30 interview with NBC News, Trump addressed this possibility with both seriousness and humor:

"I like working. I’m not joking. But it’s far too early to think about it."

He continued, suggesting that there might be ways to achieve a third term, despite what the Constitution currently states.

Under the 22nd Amendment, U.S. presidents are prohibited from serving more than two terms. However, Trump’s remarks suggest that he believes there may be alternative routes to extend his presidency, even if it means finding a workaround.

During the interview, Trump acknowledged, "There are methods you could do it." While he didn’t go into specifics, when asked about the possibility of Vice President JD Vance running for office and then passing the role to Trump, he responded: "That’s one way."

He added cryptically: “But there are others, too.”

While Trump has often made similar comments in the past, dismissing them as jokes, this time he made it clear that he wasn’t joking about his interest in extending his time in office.

The Legal Hurdles: Amending the Constitution

Trump's comments have ignited a firestorm of debate among politicians and legal experts, particularly given the constitutional barriers. To amend the U.S. Constitution, a proposal would need either a two-thirds majority in Congress or approval from two-thirds of U.S. states to call a constitutional convention. Even then, any proposed amendment would require ratification by three-quarters of the states — a nearly impossible political hurdle.

Donald Trump (left), Melania Trump (right). Credit: Getty Images

Though some conservatives, including Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), have proposed extending presidential term limits, most legal experts agree that a constitutional amendment remains an unlikely route for Trump or any other president to pursue a third term.

Political Backlash: Criticism from Both Sides of the Aisle

Trump’s recent remarks have drawn sharp criticism from members of both major political parties. Many Democrats and Republicans alike argue that attempts to circumvent the 22nd Amendment would undermine the foundation of American democracy and set a dangerous precedent for future presidents.

However, some Trump supporters remain optimistic. Steve Bannon, a prominent ally of the former president, recently discussed the possibility on NewsNation, expressing his belief that Trump will "run and win again in 2028." Bannon also suggested that “alternative routes” might emerge for Trump to reclaim the presidency beyond the two-term limit, sparking further debate about the future of U.S. term limits.

What Does the Future Hold for Presidential Term Limits?

Trump’s comments have reignited discussions about the future of presidential term limits in the U.S. Could we see efforts to amend the Constitution, or will there be workarounds to extend the length of presidential terms? With figures like Bannon pushing for alternative methods, the issue is far from resolved.

The question remains: Should the two-term rule remain in place, or is it time for the U.S. to consider a change? As the debate over Trump’s third-term prospects continues to unfold, only time will tell whether his bold suggestion will spark a larger movement to reexamine U.S. presidential term limits.

Join the Conversation: Should Presidential Term Limits Be Changed?

Do you think the two-term rule is outdated, or should it stay in place to protect democratic values? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss what the future of presidential elections might look like.