Trump Reiterates Possible Third Term, Dismissing Speculation as Serious Possibility

In an unexpected turn of events, President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that he is "not joking" about the prospect of serving a third term, marking the second time in less than three weeks that he has raised the issue. This statement, made during a phone call with NBC News's Kristen Welker, ignited further speculation about Trump's intentions and the future of his political career.

While the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms, Trump's comments suggest a level of defiance toward that restriction. The topic of a third term has been a point of discussion and curiosity among many of his supporters, some of whom have shown enthusiasm for the idea despite the constitutional barriers.

During the conversation, Trump proudly noted that his poll numbers are the "highest of any Republican for the last 100 years." He claimed that in many of the "real polls," his support is in the high 70s, highlighting what he described as widespread popularity.

"We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. And, and you know, we’re very popular. And you know, a lot of people would like me to do that," Trump said, referring to the possibility of a third term.

While these poll numbers are self-reported by the former president, they align with his frequent assertion that he has widespread support from the American public. His claim that many people want him to run for a third term is indicative of his continued belief that his political presence remains strong and commanding, despite the challenges and controversies that have surrounded him since leaving office.

Trump went on to acknowledge that it was still "very early in the administration" — referring to his political comeback bid — and downplayed the possibility of a third term, suggesting that he had a "long way to go" before considering such a significant move.

While Trump’s comments have stirred up controversy, they are not entirely unexpected. As a former president, he is well aware that the U.S. Constitution restricts any individual from holding the office of the president for more than two terms.

This limitation, established by the 22nd Amendment in 1951, was designed to prevent any one person from holding too much power for an extended period.

However, Trump’s remarks seem to suggest that he is either considering ways to circumvent this limitation or simply using the topic of a third term to keep himself in the public eye. Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has displayed a tendency to defy political norms and challenge traditional boundaries, and his statement on Sunday is just the latest example of his willingness to push the envelope.

The idea of a third term, even if not entirely feasible within the current legal framework, speaks to Trump’s enduring desire to remain a central figure in American politics. It also reflects his ongoing contention that his political influence is far from diminished, despite the challenges he faced in the wake of the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol riot.

When pressed by Welker on how he would manage to serve a third term, given the constitutional restriction, Trump hinted at "methods" that could potentially bypass the legal barriers. “There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know,” he said cryptically, offering little clarification on what those methods might entail.

Trump’s suggestion that there might be ways around the constitutional limit raised eyebrows and fueled further speculation about his potential moves in the political arena. However, he was careful not to elaborate on what these “methods” could be, leaving the door open for interpretation.

In the interview, Welker raised a hypothetical scenario in which another individual — specifically, someone like Senator JD Vance — could run for president and then pass the baton to Trump should they win.

"Well, that’s one. But there are others, too. There are others," Trump responded, once again leaving the specifics of his plan open to conjecture.

Though Trump did not provide any concrete examples, his willingness to entertain such ideas demonstrates his continued desire to explore unconventional political paths. His tendency to challenge the status quo and push boundaries remains a central theme of his political identity, and it seems unlikely that he will stop anytime soon.

Trump’s remarks about a third term are not the first time he has broached the subject. Just over two weeks ago, on March 12, he raised the idea during a St. Patrick’s Day event that included high-profile attendees such as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The mention of a third term then sparked significant media attention, with many questioning whether Trump was serious or simply making a political play.

When asked about his long-term political goals, Trump was careful to downplay any immediate ambitions, insisting that it was “too early” to consider such a move. “It’s too early … to even think about it,” he said when Welker asked him about the possibility of Vice President Vance taking the reins.

The suggestion that he was not yet fully committed to the idea of a third term may have been an attempt to temper expectations while still keeping the door open for future possibilities.

Despite the many controversies that have surrounded Trump’s presidency, including his impeachment trials and the events of January 6, 2021, his influence within the Republican Party remains strong. He has consistently remained a central figure in American politics, frequently receiving overwhelming support from his base.

Trump’s dominance in the Republican Party has only grown since he left office, with many Republicans continuing to rally behind him and his policies. His assertion that his poll numbers are among the highest of any Republican in history only underscores his enduring popularity within the party.

The prospect of a third term — whether feasible or not — is merely the latest in a series of actions that suggest Trump’s influence is as powerful as ever.

In response to Trump’s recent comments, White House communications director Steven Cheung issued a statement emphasizing the continued popularity of the former president and his policies. “Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies,” Cheung said.

While Trump’s remarks about a third term may seem far-fetched to some, they align with his broader political messaging, which has often centered on his belief that America’s interests should come first. Cheung’s statement also emphasized that it is “far too early” to discuss a third term, as the focus remains on the current administration’s efforts to undo the policies of President Joe Biden.

The White House’s response indicates that, while Trump may be floating the idea of a third term, the current administration is committed to its agenda and is not distracted by Trump’s continued presence in the political spotlight.

As Trump continues to entertain the idea of a third term, it is clear that his influence on American politics remains as potent as ever. While the constitutional limitations may prevent him from serving a third term in office, his remarks indicate that he is not ready to step away from the political stage just yet.

Whether or not Trump will ultimately run for president again in the future remains uncertain. However, his persistent willingness to push boundaries and challenge the established political order suggests that his influence on the Republican Party — and on American politics as a whole — will continue for the foreseeable future.