President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Friday, March 28, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP/AP
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President Trump stated “there are ways” for him to pursue a third term — despite the two-term limit set by the Constitution.
His comments were made during an extensive phone conversation with NBC News on Sunday, where he also expressed that he is “frustrated” with Vladimir Putin following the Russian president’s recent remarks regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s governance. Trump indicated that he is considering “secondary sanctions on Russia” if they do not cooperate with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement established last week.
The dialogue with NBC News’ Kirsten Welker on Sunday was the second within two days. The previous conversation touched on the consequences of tariffs and U.S. relations with Iran. While sections of the transcript were disclosed, the audio from the interview has not been made available.
‘I’m not joking’
At 78, Trump asserted in the interview that he is earnest about pursuing a third term.
“Many people want me to do it,” Trump stated, as reported by NBC News. “But we still have a considerable journey ahead. My primary focus is on the present.”
When queried about specific strategies for obtaining a third term, Trump pointed to one option — if Vice President JD Vance wins the presidency in a future election and subsequently transfers the title. He mentioned the existence of additional strategies but declined to disclose them.
Currently, the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment forbids anyone from being elected president more than twice. Additionally, the 12th Amendment asserts: “No individual constitutionally ineligible to the position of President shall be eligible for that of Vice-President of the United States.”
To amend the Constitution, a two-thirds majority in Congress is required or a constitutional convention — which necessitates the request of 34 states. Considering the current congressional gridlock and political divisions within the country, the likelihood of this happening appears minimal.
Trump did not reference the Constitution during his conversation with NBC News but repeatedly highlighted his popularity.
“Many individuals would prefer me to pursue that,” Trump stated regarding a potential third presidential term, according to NBC News. “However, I tell them, we have a significant amount of time ahead, it’s still early in the administration.”
Trump’s willingness to consider a third term comes following support from his staunchest allies. His former advisor Steve Bannon, now a podcast host, has already backed Trump for a 2028 campaign. In Congress, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., proposed revising the 22nd Amendment to facilitate Trump’s third term just days after his second inauguration.
When asked if he was joking about making another bid for the presidency, Trump responded, “No, no I’m not joking,” as stated by NBC News.
The 22nd Amendment was ratified by Congress in 1951 after Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected as president four times.
‘Very angry’ with Putin
Trump additionally conveyed that he is “frustrated” and “very angry” with Putin after the Russian leader questioned Zelenskyy’s leadership in Ukraine.
On Friday, Putin advocated for a “transitional administration” in Ukraine and urged his troops to “finish off” the Ukrainian military, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
Trump remarked that these statements are “not heading in the right” direction and issued threats of sanctions against Russia if they do not comply with the ceasefire proposal.
“If Russia and I cannot reach an agreement on halting the violence in Ukraine, and if I believe it was Russia’s wrongdoing — which may not be the case — but if I deem it to be Russia’s fault, I will impose secondary tariffs on oil coming from Russia,” Trump mentioned on Sunday, according to NBC News.
“That means if you purchase oil from Russia, you cannot conduct business in the United States,” Trump clarified. “Expect a 25% tariff on all oil, with a 25- to 50-point tariff on everything.”
Trump stated he had spoken with Putin “not long ago” and affirmed that the Russian president is aware of his sentiments.
“Angry, but I maintain a very good rapport with him,” Trump reflected regarding his relationship with Putin.
Trump indicated that he intends to have another conversation with Putin this week.
Last week, Russia and Ukraine reached a partial and tentative ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea region following a three-day meeting in Riyadh. Since the arrangement was established, both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of violating it while persisting with attacks on each other in different locations. Trump committed to a prompt resolution to the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine during his campaign.
