Since Donald Trump returned to the White House after winning the presidential elections for the second time, he has been in the news for several weeks. The Republican has been busy with a frantic agenda, issuing Executive orders, and making controversial statements. As a result, he has been dominating the media around the world.
One idea that has been discussed in recent weeks is the possibility of Trump running for a third term in the White House. This would be unusual in the history of the United States. During a breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, Trump mentioned that he might run for president again in the 2028 elections. He told the audience, “I want to be here with you, and I have to be here with you, and I do it despite the fact that they say I can’t introduce myself again. I want to be with you, whatever happens.” This is not the first time Trump has talked about running for a third term. He also mentioned it while speaking to members of the Republican Party in Miami, saying, “I have collected a lot of money for the next campaign. I assume that I will not be able to use it for it, but I am not 100% sure. I think it is not allowed to present me again.”
Could Trump run for a third term? This is the third time he has referred to the idea since taking office. The proposal is generating unease among certain sectors of American society. Ian Bassin, an advisor to former President Obama and director of the Protect Democracy organization, warned that Trump might still try to run for a third term, saying, “Anyone who says that obviously amendment 22 will dissuade Trump to try a third mandate has been living on a different planet to mine.” Bassin is referring to the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” This amendment was ratified in 1951 and was intended to limit the power of the president. George Washington, the first president of the United States, set a precedent by resigning after two terms.
The only way Trump could run for a third term is by modifying the Constitution, which would require significant majorities in Congress. Another possibility, although unlikely, would be for Trump to run for vice president and then try to become president. Ian Bassin suggests that this could be a second way for Trump to try to stay in power. However, both scenarios are highly unlikely and would face significant challenges.