Trump on third term: I never commented on that!”

Trump on third term: I never commented on that!”

US President Donald Trump is currently expressing his interest in a possible third term in office. In an interview with NBC, he explained that he had "never dealt with the issue," although he was aware of many people's requests to run again. "I don't know. I've never dealt with it," said Trump, not very specifically. However, when asked if he would run against former President Barack Obama, he replied: "That would be a good idea, I would like that" ( vienna.at ).

However, despite his interest, Trump must face the reality of the US Constitution. The 22nd Amendment, in effect since 1951, allows a president to serve a maximum of two terms. This was introduced to prevent a repeat of a similar situation by a president, following the example of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the only president elected for more than two terms ( Wikipedia ).

The legal framework

The 22nd Amendment states that no person may be elected president more than twice. Anyone who has served for more than two years during another president's term may not be elected more than once. This means that the amendment could theoretically allow for a maximum term of 10 years if a vice president succeeds less than two years into a term. Harry S. Truman was the only president in office at the time the amendment took effect and for this reason is not affected ( vienna.at ).

Trump also emphasizes that there are almost four years left until the next election. Republican Congressman Andy Ogles previously introduced an initiative in January to increase term limits to three terms, but political analysts viewed it as unrealistic. Such calls for changing the 22nd Amendment are widespread, but all previous attempts to abolish or amend it have been unsuccessful ( Wikipedia ).

Political considerations

The discussion about Trump's possible candidacy and the constitutional provisions also has a broader political dimension. Several former presidents, including Bill Clinton, have advocated for constitutional change in the past. However, the legislative process regarding these changes is highly controversial. The 22nd Amendment has only been ratified by 36 of 48 states, showing that there is significant disagreement even within the political landscape ( Wikipedia ).

However, Trump remains determined and is interacting with his supporters, who are encouraging him to seek re-election. However, the answer to the question of whether he will actually run remains uncertain as the political climate continues to evolve in the coming years.