In a recent NBC interview, former President Donald Trump made statements hinting at the possibility of extending his time in office beyond the constitutional limit of two terms. Trump emphasized that he was not joking when he mentioned that “methods” exist to overcome this restriction.
Trump’s comments followed repeated suggestions about finding ways to stay in power. While addressing the issue, he confirmed, “There are methods you could do it,” further clarifying, “Well, there are plans. There are – not plans. There are methods – there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”
NBC host Kristen Welker raised the possibility of a strategy where Trump could serve as a running mate for a vice-presidential candidate, like JD Vance. In such a scenario, after winning the election, the president could step down, allowing Trump to assume the presidency through succession. This idea is based on the interpretation of the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms but does not explicitly address succession in such a situation.
However, legal experts, including Notre Dame law professor Derek Muller, have refuted this idea. Muller pointed out that the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone who is constitutionally ineligible to serve as president from becoming vice president. Therefore, Trump’s eligibility to run for vice president is questionable.
Despite these legal challenges, Trump did not dismiss the idea entirely. He stated, “Well, that’s one,” when referring to the potential plan. He also hinted that there were other “methods” to achieve a third term but refused to elaborate further when pressed.
While Trump admitted it was too early to consider such a drastic step, he expressed enthusiasm for the idea, stating, “I like working,” when asked about the challenges of a third term. He also insisted that he was serious and not joking about the notion of bypassing the term limits.
Trump’s statements come after he previously compared himself to a monarch, famously declaring “LONG LIVE THE KING!” on social media after a victory over New York City’s congestion pricing program. This comment sparked controversy, especially when the White House shared an image of Trump on a fake magazine cover wearing a golden crown.
Meanwhile, a Republican congressman from Tennessee, Andy Ogles, introduced a resolution in January to amend the Constitution and allow a president to serve up to three terms, with the stipulation that the terms must not be consecutive. This proposal, however, faces significant opposition. Many, including GOP Senator Markwayne Mullin, have publicly stated that they would not support an unconstitutional third term for Trump.
Amending the Constitution to change presidential term limits would require approval from both the Senate and House, as well as ratification by three-quarters of the states. With insufficient support, it seems unlikely that such an amendment could pass.
The 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidents to two terms, was enacted in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms during World War II.
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