Trump hints at third term ambition despite constitutional barriers
Donald Trump suggested that he is considering governing for more than two terms. In an interview with NBC, he emphasised that there are "methods" to bypass constitutional limits.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump, in an interview with NBC, did not rule out the possibility of seeking a third term, highlighting that there are "methods" to bypass constitutional limits.
- The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution limits the presidential election to two terms.
- Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has proposed a constitutional amendment that would increase the term limit to three.
What "methods" is Trump considering?
In a conversation with Kristin Welker from NBC, Donald Trump suggested that there are ways to get around the two-term presidential limit.
"There are methods which you could do it [govern more than two terms - ed.]," Trump said, adding that this is not a joke. The US President emphasised that many people would like him to take office again, although he noted that it is still too early for concrete plans.
Is succession possible?
Trump pointed out that one possible scenario is a situation where Vice President J.D. Vance would win the election, and then step down in his favour.
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution states that no one can be elected to more than two terms, but it does not exclude succession. Trump admitted that there are also other ways to circumvent this limitation, although he did not reveal details.
Is changing the constitution feasible?
The idea of increasing the term limit to three has gained support from some lawmakers. Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has proposed a constitutional amendment in this regard. Trump’s former advisor, Steve Bannon, also calls for an opening to Trump's third presidency. Nevertheless, Trump emphasised that it is still too early to discuss specific future plans.
The US economic situation is worsening
Trump planned to announce new tariffs on other countries on 2nd April. According to Politico, the issue is causing chaos in the White House because no one besides the president, including J.D. Vance, is said to know what Trump plans to implement on "Liberation Day."
Meanwhile, the economic situation in the US has been consistently deteriorating since the new president took office. As revealed by the Commerce Department on Friday, inflation rose at a rate higher than expected last month, even before the potential surge in prices resulting from massive tariffs.
