Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of serving a third term in the White House, asserting that there may be a legal workaround to make it possible.
During a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump, 78, emphasized that he was “not joking” about the possibility, claiming that “a lot of people want me to do it.”
Trump speculated that there are potential methods to extend his presidency beyond the two-term limit set by the 22nd Amendment.
He suggested that one such strategy could involve his running mate—potentially Vice President JD Vance, 40—assuming the presidency and then resigning, thereby allowing Trump to reclaim the role.
“But there are others too,” Trump hinted, without further specifying.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
However, legal scholars have debated whether a vice president’s resignation could create a constitutional loophole.
When pressed on why he would consider staying in office until 2033, Trump cited his passion for the job. “I like working,” he explained, reiterating that his suggestion was serious but still premature. “I’m not joking. But I’m not—it is far too early to think about it.”
Trump’s remarks have reignited discussions about his previous references to a potential third term. Initially perceived as a way to challenge political opponents and maintain influence, the idea has gained traction among his supporters.
At recent public events, crowds have frequently chanted “Four more years!”, signaling their support for an extended Trump presidency.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt remains the only U.S. president to have served more than two terms, holding office for four before his passing in 1945. His unprecedented tenure led to the 22nd Amendment, which cemented the two-term limit into law.
If Trump were to pursue a third term, he would become the oldest U.S. president in history, surpassing Joe Biden, who left office at 82 years and two months. Should Trump serve another full term beyond 2029, he would be approaching 87 years old by the end of it.
Despite Trump’s musings, amending the Constitution to allow a third term remains a steep challenge. In January, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced a constitutional amendment seeking to remove the two-term restriction.
However, for such an amendment to pass, it would require approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states—a nearly impossible feat given Democratic opposition.
While the U.S. has largely adhered to its two-term presidential tradition, some Western democracies have allowed leaders to serve well into old age. For example, West Germany’s Chancellor Konrad Adenauer remained in office until he was 87, serving for 14 years as he rebuilt the nation post-World War II.
Though Trump’s remarks have stirred speculation, it remains uncertain whether he will seriously pursue a third term or if the discussion is primarily a strategic move to energize his base. With his second term set to conclude in January 2029, political analysts will closely watch whether Trump takes tangible steps to test the constitutional limits of presidential tenure.
