President Donald Trump arrives at Palm Beach International Airport in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., for another visit to Mar-a-Lago., on March 28, 2025.
Washington D.C. – Speaking to NBC News’ Meet the Press, President Donald Trump raised the possibility of seeking a third term in office, suggesting there were “methods” to bypass the two-term limit outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The president made it clear that he was “not joking” about the idea, and hinted at strategies that could make it a reality.
“I’m not joking,” Trump told host Kristen Welker when asked about his potential third term. “A lot of people want me to do it,” he added, though he emphasized that he was focused on the present. Despite his defiant tone, Trump did not elaborate on the specific “methods” he alluded to, leaving much speculation around how such a move could unfold.
Under the 22nd Amendment, which limits U.S. presidents to two terms, a third term is not legally possible. However, Trump has often mused about the concept during rallies and speeches, but Sunday’s comments marked the first time he seemed to take the idea seriously. His remarks have stirred speculation about his potential strategies, including a suggestion made during the interview by Welker: that Vice President JD Vance could run as president in 2028, only to pass the office back to Trump after winning. Trump confirmed that this was one possibility, though he remained tight-lipped about other potential avenues.
Legal experts have quickly weighed in, with Notre Dame law professor Derek T. Muller dismissing any practical route for Trump to secure a third term. While there is some debate surrounding the interpretation of the 22nd Amendment, Muller pointed out that constitutional roadblocks, including the 12th Amendment, would complicate any such attempt. “You’d have to have so many pieces fall into place for this even to be practically viable,” Muller said.
Despite the constitutional challenges, Trump’s remarks have fueled conversation among his supporters, many of whom are eager to see him back in office. His potential third-term bid has sparked discussions about his political future, especially with the Republican Party still strongly aligned behind his “America First” agenda.
The White House quickly responded to the comments, reiterating that President Trump was focused on his current efforts, but emphasized that it was “far too early” to entertain such thoughts. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, also pointed to Trump’s enduring popularity, stating that Americans “overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump.”
While the legalities of a third term remain highly questionable, Trump’s comments on Sunday were a reminder of his unorthodox approach to governance. The former president has shown little hesitation to challenge political norms, and his comments regarding potential actions to impose tariffs on Russian oil and his confrontations with global leaders continue to emphasize his “America First” stance.
Whether or not Trump’s pursuit of a third term remains a genuine possibility or a provocative political stunt, it has certainly captured the attention of the public, and the legal and political ramifications will likely continue to play out in the coming months.
