Donald Trump has once again stirred political controversy, this time by suggesting he would be open to running for a third term as U.S. president. Speaking Monday while signing an executive order on ticket scalping, Trump hinted at potential ways to sidestep the constitutional two-term limit and even named his ideal Democratic opponent: former President Barack Obama.
Trump’s Surprising Statement on a Possible Third Term
While responding to reporters, Trump was asked by a Fox News correspondent whether he would welcome a hypothetical rematch against Obama, who left office in 2017.
“I’d love that. That would be a good one. I’d like that,” Trump said, showing enthusiasm for the idea despite it being legally impossible under the U.S. Constitution.
The former president’s comments come just days after he suggested there might be legal avenues to challenge the 22nd Amendment, which has limited presidents to two terms since 1951. Although Trump initially played coy about the possibility, he later appeared to suggest that he had given the idea some thought.
Is There a Loophole? Trump’s Claim Explained
Trump’s musings about a third term have raised significant legal and political questions. In a Sunday interview with NBC News, he insisted he was “seriously considering” the idea and wasn’t joking.
“There are methods with which you could do it,” he claimed, without specifying what those methods were.
The 22nd Amendment states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice,” but Trump reportedly referenced a potential workaround: running as vice president. Under this theory, if he were elected as VP and the sitting president resigned, he could assume the presidency again.
While constitutional scholars widely reject this interpretation, Trump’s willingness to publicly entertain such a notion has alarmed legal experts and political opponents alike.
Echoes of Putin and Xi? Trump Draws Comparisons to World Leaders
Trump’s comments bear a resemblance to strategies used by authoritarian leaders to extend their rule. Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively reset his term limits by switching roles with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev before returning to the presidency, while China’s Xi Jinping oversaw the removal of constitutional term limits in 2018.
Though Trump hasn’t proposed anything as drastic, critics argue that his rhetoric is dangerous. Political analyst David Axelrod, a former senior advisor to Obama, called Trump’s remarks “a direct challenge to democratic norms.”
“We are entering uncharted territory when a sitting president openly questions constitutional limits on power,” Axelrod warned in an interview with CNN.
The Republican Reaction: Mixed Responses Within the Party
Trump’s suggestion of a third term has triggered a range of responses from within his own party. Some Republicans, particularly his strongest supporters, see it as classic Trumpian bravado. Others, however, are more cautious about the implications.
- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) dismissed concerns, calling Trump’s comments “just having fun with the media.”
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) took a more measured tone, saying, “The Constitution is clear on this issue.”
- Former Vice President Mike Pence declined to comment directly but said, “I believe in our democratic institutions.”
Despite the varied responses, there is no indication that congressional Republicans would seriously consider altering the Constitution for Trump.
What Would a Trump-Obama Rematch Look Like?
Although purely hypothetical, the idea of a Trump vs. Obama election has captured the public imagination. Their rivalry defined American politics for years, with Obama frequently criticizing Trump’s policies and Trump blaming Obama for many of the issues he sought to address during his presidency.
However, legal experts stress that there is no scenario in which Obama could return to the White House. The 22nd Amendment doesn’t just bar a person from being elected more than twice—it also prevents someone who has served two terms from assuming the presidency through other means.
Public Opinion: How Americans Feel About a Third Trump Term
Polls suggest that a significant portion of Trump’s base would back a third-term bid if it were possible. However, broader national polling indicates skepticism.
| Polling Source | Support for Third Trump Term | Oppose Third Trump Term |
|---|---|---|
| Gallup | 32% | 62% |
| Pew Research | 28% | 68% |
| Fox News | 41% | 54% |
Political scientist Rachel Bitecofer notes that even many of Trump’s supporters would likely be uncomfortable with changing constitutional norms. “Americans have historically resisted efforts to centralize power in one leader,” she said.
For now, Trump’s comments remain speculative. While he may enjoy teasing the media and rallying his supporters with provocative statements, the legal barriers to a third term remain firmly in place. However, as history has shown, Trump is never one to let conventional wisdom dictate his next move.
