I covered this possibility recently and there were some facts in there that everyone should consider….for those that cannot remember back far I am here to help…..(and that is why I keep up my archives….so I can bne checked)….
Please read this post first before moving on to my newest one…..
I know there is a Constitutional thing that states only two terms…..but that will not stop Donny if his ego wants more and more…..but how could this thing happen?
To clarify….what does the Constitution say about this third term?
The Constitution says that a president cannot serve more than two terms – an amendment that was added after Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected four times.
It is explicit….so how can Donny move the needle in his favor?
Democratic critics have used Trump’s third term chatter to say that he is trying to defy the Constitution.
However, some MAGA allies of the president have suggested at least one way around that.
One plan would involve Trump becoming JD Vance’s running mate and then, after a successful 2028 election, Vance resigning and Trump taking over.
(dailymail.co.uk)
Did not Putin try this in one form?
There has been some precedents for his desire and most are from Latin America…..
United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of remaining in office after his second term ends in 2029. Since the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1951, no U.S. president has challenged the two-term limit it established.
However, attempts to circumvent constitutional term limits are not unprecedented elsewhere.
Virtually every country in Latin America has enshrined constitutional term limits as a safeguard against tyranny. These rules vary: some allow only a single term, some permit two, while others enable non-consecutive re-election. Yet several presidents have managed to defy these provisions.
Recent examples include Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, Evo Morales in Bolivia, Rafael Correa in Ecuador and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador.
Although the institutional norms and political cultures of these countries differ from those of the U.S., examining how term limits have been dismantled offers valuable insights into how any similar efforts by Trump might unfold.
https://theconversation.com/how-donald-trump-could-remain-president-of-the-united-states-255589
It is possible that this country can survive these four years but any longer and I have my doubts.
The Constitution should be the ultimate law of the land as it has been for all our years…..all this circumvention is just making the nation weaker and open to some massive exploitation.
Any thoughts you would care to share?
I Read, I Write, You Know
“lego ergo scribo”
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits a president to two terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. For Donald Trump to serve a third term, he would need to navigate around this constitutional restriction. Below are the theoretical mechanisms by which this could be attempted, along with their legal and practical challenges. Note that these scenarios are highly speculative and would face significant obstacles.
1. Repeal or Amend the 22nd Amendment
Process: The 22nd Amendment could be repealed or amended to remove or alter the two-term limit. This requires:
A two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to propose the amendment, or
A constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states).
Ratification by three-fourths of the states (38 states).
Challenges:
The process is deliberately slow and difficult, requiring broad bipartisan support. As of May 2025, there is no significant political movement to repeal the 22nd Amendment.
Public and political opposition would likely be intense, as term limits are widely supported to prevent consolidation of power.
Even with a Republican-controlled Congress, achieving the necessary supermajorities and state ratifications would be unlikely without overwhelming popular demand.
Feasibility: Extremely low due to the high bar for constitutional amendments and lack of current momentum.
2. Legal Challenge to the 22nd Amendment
Approach: Trump or his allies could challenge the constitutionality of the 22nd Amendment in court, arguing it infringes on voters’ rights to choose their president or conflicts with other constitutional principles.
Challenges:
The 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951 and has been upheld as constitutional for decades. Courts, including the Supreme Court, are unlikely to overturn it without a compelling new legal argument.
Any challenge would need to demonstrate that the amendment violates a fundamental constitutional principle, which is a high bar given its clear language and historical precedent.
The judiciary, even if sympathetic, would face accusations of overreach, risking a constitutional crisis.
Feasibility: Near zero, as the amendment’s language is unambiguous and well-established.
3. Exploiting a Loophole via Succession or Acting Presidency
Scenario: Trump could attempt to serve as president indirectly by assuming the role through succession or as an “acting” president:
Vice President Route: Run as vice president in 2028, then assume the presidency if the elected president resigns or is incapacitated. The 22nd Amendment applies explicitly to the office of the president, and the 12th Amendment does not bar a two-term president from being elected vice president.
Speaker of the House or Cabinet Route: If Trump were appointed Speaker of the House or a cabinet member and the president and vice president were removed or resigned, he could theoretically become acting president under the Presidential Succession Act.
Challenges:
The 22nd Amendment’s intent is to limit presidential terms, and courts might interpret it as barring a two-term president from assuming the presidency via succession. Legal scholars debate whether a two-term president is eligible to be vice president, and a Supreme Court case would likely result.
Running for vice president or another office would require a willing political party and electorate, which is uncertain.
Any attempt to “engineer” a resignation or succession would face massive public and political backlash, potentially leading to legal challenges or impeachment.
Feasibility: Low, due to legal ambiguities, political risks, and public scrutiny.
4. Circumventing Term Limits Through a Proxy
Scenario: Trump could support a loyal ally as a presidential candidate in 2028, effectively wielding influence as a “power behind the throne” without formally holding office.
Challenges:
This does not constitute a third term, as Trump would not be president. It relies on finding a candidate willing to act as a proxy and maintaining control over their administration.
Political dynamics are unpredictable, and a proxy president could assert independence or face their own political constraints.
Public perception of such a strategy could damage Trump’s influence if seen as manipulative.
Feasibility: Moderate, as it avoids constitutional barriers but depends on political loyalty and influence, not a formal third term.
5. Declaring an Emergency or Suspending Constitutional Norms
Scenario: In an extreme case, Trump could attempt to declare a national emergency or invoke extraordinary powers to remain in office beyond 2028, citing a crisis (e.g., war, economic collapse, or civil unrest).
Challenges:
The Constitution provides no mechanism for suspending presidential term limits, even in emergencies. Such an action would likely be deemed unconstitutional and trigger immediate legal challenges.
It would require complicity from multiple branches of government, including Congress, the military, and the judiciary, which is highly improbable.
Public and institutional resistance, including potential impeachment or invocation of the 25th Amendment, would be swift and severe.
This scenario risks a constitutional crisis or civil unrest, as it would undermine democratic norms.
Feasibility: Effectively zero, as it would require unprecedented institutional collapse and disregard for the rule of law.
Practical and Political Considerations
Public Opinion: Term limits enjoy broad public support, and any attempt to circumvent them would face significant opposition, potentially damaging Trump’s political capital.
Institutional Checks: The U.S. system of checks and balances—Congress, the judiciary, and state governments—would pose formidable barriers to any unconstitutional maneuvers.
Historical Precedent: No president has successfully served more than two terms since the 22nd Amendment was ratified. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms (pre-22nd Amendment) prompted its creation, reinforcing its purpose.
Current Context (May 2025): There is no evidence from recent web searches or X posts indicating active efforts by Trump or his allies to pursue a third term. Political discussions focus on his current term and 2028 Republican nominees, not constitutional changes.
Conclusion
The most legally viable paths—repealing the 22nd Amendment or exploiting succession loopholes—face immense practical and political hurdles, requiring supermajorities, court rulings, or unlikely political alignments. Less legal routes, like declaring an emergency, are even more implausible and would likely provoke a constitutional crisis. A proxy strategy avoids legal issues but isn’t a true third term. Given these constraints, Trump’s ability to engineer a third term is highly limited without extraordinary changes to the U.S. political and legal system.
If He wants a third term, you can bet he will find a way to get it regardless of the cost.
The man is not famous for following rules or mandates, and could just blatantly refuse to leave. His Republican fan base would love that. No, I can’t see his son as president. And don’t you have to be 35? I have no idea how old he is, but he surely doesn’t look that age…
having dealt firsthand with an alzheimer person, I can assure you they ain’t frail. It’s anger that drives them, and it’s like trying to shut down a stampeding buffalo.
Thanx for the constitutional law but I already knew this…..chuq
I don’t think he will be mentally capable of a third term. However, I think he will still try to stand, with his son as the running mate. Then he will resign due to ill health, and leave Barron as the candidate to try to keep the ‘Dynastic’ rule going. Alternatively, Barron will be chosen as the Republican candidate, and unless the Dems get off their arses and find someone electable, he will win easily.
Best wishes, Pete.
Interesting theory.
I agree but I do not know about the son thing…..chuq
Not sure that Barron could even qualify. Don’t you have to be 35? He’s only, what, 19? damn he’s barely able to vote.
While nothing dishonest is beyond this man, I feel he will not live long enough…he is 80, in bad physical shape, and losing his mental abilities to form a coherent sentence…every day is worse…he won’t be in any condition. Also, ask any farmer in the midwest who voted for him if they would do o again…most are losing everything – perhaps they will finally understand the con
This is spot on. He’s going to be lucky if he finishes out this term. Every day its harder and harder for him to make rational statements.
For me it’s hard to imagine he will have the stamina or mental ability to actually consider it…also, with all of the massive corruption underway, who else will there be to plunder?
losing his mental abilities to form a coherent sentence — YOU see it. I see it. MANY OTHERS see it. But the Repukes shove it under the table, cover it with dog shit, and merrily move forward as though nothing is wrong.
John, I do not think they will understand…..not yet anyway…..chuq
Agree
I agree, Trump is not well, and I doubt if he lasts through this term. But as you say he could switch places with Vance, become the new shiny VP and then have Vance quit. I still think that’s not ethical, but hey, it’s doable. I still see him being wheeled out of the WhiteHouse on a stretcher, or tied up with rope. Oh, yes please.
One thing Donny is not is ethical. chuq