 "Us President Donald Trump. File image/ AP")
US President Donald Trump on Sunday (March 30) clarified that he was “not joking” when he said he was seeking an unprecedented third term in office.
During a phone call with NBC News, Trump was asked to clarify his earlier remark in which he suggested he might run for office for a third term, potentially breaching the stipulated limit in the US Constitution.
“I’m not joking,” Trump insisted.
“There are methods which you could do it,” the US leader added.
However, he said it was “far too early” to comment on the topic.
Notably, the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment bars any person from getting elected to the country’s highest office more than twice. This amendment was added in 1951 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times in a row.
How can Trump circumvent 22nd Amendment?
The NBC journalist asked Trump whether he was planning to have Vance run for the top job and then get the baton passed to himself.
Trump said, “Well, that’s one.” When asked about other potential plans to dodge the constitutional limit, Trump refused to respond.
Trump will turn 82 at the end of this ongoing term. When asked whether he would like to continue with the “toughest job in the country” at that point, Trump responded by saying, “Well,’ I like working.”
Trump further claimed his immense popularity could pave the way for a third term.
Is there any loophole?
The 22nd Amendment says no person can be “elected” to the highest office more than twice. It doesn’t bar any person from occupying the office more than twice. That’s the loophole.
If Trump runs as a vice-presidential candidate in 2028 and then asks his running mate to resign, he can take over as the president again.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAccording to legal experts, the same strategy could be repeated in 2032 as well, if Trump’s health and popularity permitted.
Experts believe the US Supreme Court is unlikely to interfere in this process as it would abide by the language of the 22nd Amendment, rather than its intent.