Trump Sparks Uproar with Hints at Third Term: “I’m Not Joking”

Despite constitutional limits, former President Donald Trump stirs controversy by suggesting he may pursue a third term, drawing fierce backlash and legal skepticism.

Washington, DC [US], March 31:
Former President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm after suggesting he may consider a third presidential term — a move that would defy the U.S. Constitution. In a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump stated, “There are methods which you could do it,” and emphasized, “I’m not joking,” despite adding it was “far too early to think about it.”

The statement has raised alarms, as the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly prohibits anyone from being elected to the presidency more than twice. This rule was enacted after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term tenure.

Though Trump did not elaborate on how he might circumvent the rule, legal experts immediately pushed back. Jeremy Paul, a constitutional law professor at Northeastern University, called any such effort “legally groundless.” Derek Muller of Notre Dame added that there’s “no weird trick” to bypass term limits, referencing the 12th Amendment, which also prevents ineligible candidates from becoming vice president.

Rep. Daniel Goldman, a New York Democrat and lead counsel in Trump’s first impeachment, condemned the remarks as a serious threat to U.S. democracy. “If Congressional Republicans believe in the Constitution, they must publicly reject Trump’s ambitions,” he said.

Right-wing commentator Steve Bannon had earlier echoed support for extended Trump leadership during a CPAC appearance, declaring, “We want Trump in ’28.”

Despite the mounting criticism, Trump — who would be 82 at the end of a potential second term — remained unfazed. When asked if he would want to keep serving, he simply said, “Well, I like working.”

While political analysts believe a third term remains highly improbable, the mere suggestion has reignited concerns about democratic erosion and Trump’s continued influence over the GOP. Any attempt to amend the Constitution or push past its limits would face enormous legal, political, and public resistance.