WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has not dismissed the chance of pursuing a third term in the White House, despite the Constitution’s prohibition under the 22nd Amendment. In an exclusive NBC News interview, he indicated that there are ways to achieve this and emphasized he was “not joking.”
“Many people want me to do it,” Trump mentioned during a Sunday phone call with NBC News, speaking about his supporters. “But, honestly, I remind them that we have a long way to go; it’s still very early in the administration.”
“I’m concentrating on the present,” Trump added, providing some of his most detailed thoughts thus far about a potential third term.
When asked if he desired another term, the president replied, “I enjoy working.”
“I’m not joking,” Trump reiterated when asked for clarification. “But it’s — it’s way too early to consider that.”
When questioned if he has seen proposals that would allow him to aim for a third term, Trump stated, “There are methods that you could use.”
NBC News inquired about a hypothetical situation where Vice President JD Vance would run for office and then pass the role to Trump. Trump confirmed that “that’s one” method.
“However, there are other options as well,” Trump noted.
Pressed for another method, Trump simply replied “no.”
Amending the Constitution to eliminate the two-term limit would be incredibly challenging, requiring a two-thirds vote from Congress or two-thirds of the states to call for a constitutional convention to propose modifications. Any change would then need ratification from three-quarters of the states.
The president pointed to his approval ratings, stating that “a lot of people would like me to” serve a third term.
Trump has made prior remarks about running for a third term, although Republicans have often interpreted these statements as humorous or as Trump provoking his critics.
Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a resolution advocating for an extension of presidential term limits, which would enable Trump to pursue another term.
In the meantime, Trump supporter Steve Bannon expressed in a News Nation interview that he believes Trump will “run and win again in 2028.” Bannon further mentioned that “we’ll have a few alternatives” regarding how Trump might seek a third term despite the two-term maximum for the presidency.
The White House has reinforced Trump’s remarks comparing himself to royalty, sharing an image of a fabricated magazine cover featuring the president with a crown after the administration dismissed congestion pricing in New York City.
The White House’s post on X quoted Trump’s earlier comments on Truth Social: “LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Peter Nicholas contributed.
