U.S. President Donald Trump has once again sparked speculation about serving a third term, suggesting he is “not 100 percent sure” whether the Constitution forbids it.
Speaking to a gathering of Congressional Republicans in Miami, Trump hinted at the possibility of running again, despite the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms.
“I’ve raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself, but I’m not 100 percent sure, because I don’t know… I think I’m not allowed to run again,” Trump said, addressing the audience.
Turning to Republican House Leader Mike Johnson, Trump joked: “I’m not sure, am I allowed to run again, Mike? I better not get you involved in that argument.”
Trump’s Ongoing Hints at a Third Term
Trump, who was inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term just a week ago, has made similar remarks in the past. On Saturday, during a rally in Nevada, he told supporters: “It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve not once, but twice — or three times or four times.”
The comment was met with cheers from the audience, and Trump quickly followed up with a jab at the media: “Headlines for the fake news.”
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Push to Change the Constitution?
Trump’s remarks come just days after a Republican lawmaker in the House introduced a long-shot resolution to amend the Constitution and remove the two-term limit for presidents.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was created to prevent presidents from holding office indefinitely after Franklin D. Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms between 1933 and 1945.
While Trump’s remarks are often made in a joking tone, they have continued to raise eyebrows in political circles. In November, shortly after his election win, Trump addressed House Republicans, saying: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else.’”
Similarly, in July, Trump told an audience of conservative Christians: “Christians, get out and vote. Just this time… Four more years, it’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore.”
What’s Next?
While legal experts agree that Trump cannot run for a third term under the current Constitution, his continued hints and jokes suggest that he may test the limits of political norms.
For now, Trump remains the only U.S. president besides Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms, but whether he attempts a third remains to be seen.