By CHRIS MEGERIAN
President Trump Hints at Third Term Possibility
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — In a twist that raises questions about the future of presidential tenure, President Donald Trump suggested that he is contemplating a third term in office. During an interview with NBC News, Trump stated, “I’m not joking” about the prospect, thereby hinting at potential methods to circumvent the constitutional two-term limit set by the 22nd Amendment.
In the interview, Trump mentioned, “There are methods which you could do it,” although he admitted “it is far too early to think about it.” This statement adds to the ongoing speculation about his future political ambitions.
Exploring Constitutional Limitations
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency, restricts individuals from being elected to the presidency more than twice. Despite this clear limitation, Trump entertained a scenario proposed by NBC’s Kristen Welker, suggesting Vice President JD Vance could run for president and then “pass the baton” back to Trump.
Trump confirmed this as a possibility but also hinted at other unspecified methods, declining to elaborate further. As of now, Vance’s office has not provided any comments regarding this speculation.
Considering the Challenges of a Third Term
When asked about the desire to continue in what is widely considered “the toughest job in the country,” Trump, who would be 82 at the end of a second term, responded, “Well, I like working.” He suggested that his popularity among Americans might support a third term, despite questionable claims about his approval ratings.
Trump inaccurately stated that he held “the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years.” However, Gallup data indicates that his highest approval rating reached only 47% during his second term. This contrasts with historical peaks like President George W. Bush’s 90% post-9/11 rating and George H.W. Bush’s 89% after the Gulf War.
This isn’t the first time Trump has alluded to extending his presidency beyond the usual limits, often making such remarks in jest. Earlier this year, he quipped, “Am I allowed to run again?” while speaking at a House Republican retreat.
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