No, Trump Won’t Likely Get To Run For A Third Term: Here’s Why

While it’s all but certain Trump allies can’t change the Constitution—modifying the 22nd Amendment—the president could try to use legal loopholes to stay in power.
Ernie Stanton · 6 days ago · 2 minutes read


Presidential Aspirations: Trump's Quest for a Third Term

Ogles' Audacious Proposal

With the gloves off, Rep. Andy Ogles has thrown down the constitutional gauntlet. His resolution proposes an amendment that would allow President Donald Trump to seize a third term in the White House, a move that flies in the face of tradition and the current two-term limit.

Trump's Ambitions, Unraveled

Trump's aspirations for a third term have been simmering since the earliest days of his presidency. Cryptic remarks and tantalizing suggestions have hinted at his desire to cling to power beyond two terms, despite the 22nd Amendment's explicit prohibition.

Decoding the 22nd Amendment

The 22nd Amendment, in its current form, effectively bars presidents from holding office for more than two terms. This includes anyone who becomes president without being elected, such as a vice president assuming power. However, some legal scholars have identified potential loopholes in the amendment's wording.

Seeking a Third Term Through Loopholes

While the 22nd Amendment prohibits a president from being elected to a third term, it doesn't explicitly ban them from serving one. This opens the door to legal maneuvers, such as a president being elected to a second office in the line of succession (like vice president) and then assuming power via a resignation.

Global Precedents and Putin's Example

If Trump were to pursue a third term, he would join a dubious league of world leaders who have defied term limits. Russian President Vladimir Putin, for instance, has extended his hold on power by rotating between the roles of president and prime minister. Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping eliminated term limits to potentially rule for life.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Path

Rep. Ogles' resolution is highly unlikely to be successful, as amending the Constitution requires an almost insurmountable level of support in Congress and among the states. However, Trump's third-term aspirations and the potential for legal loopholes raise questions about the strength of our current term limits. As the drama unfolds, we watch with bated breath to see how this high-stakes power struggle plays out.