Trump’s Third Term Tease: Fact, Fiction, and Public Reaction
The president’s latest comments spark a constitutional clash
President Donald Trump’s third term tease in 2025 has stirred up a storm, with comments hinting at a possible run in 2028. In an interview with TIME magazine, published April 25, 2025, Trump doubled down on earlier remarks to NBC News where he said he was “not joking” about running again in 2028. “There are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known,” he told TIME, quickly adding, “But I don’t believe in loopholes. I don’t believe in using loopholes.” The remarks have set off a heated debate about constitutional limits and political intentions.
Trump’s comments trace back to March 2025, when he told NBC, “A lot of people want me to do it,” suggesting there were “methods” to get around the Constitution’s two-term limit. In the TIME interview, he was pressed on a specific scenario: running as vice president to J.D. Vance, who could resign if elected, handing Trump the presidency. Trump sidestepped the question, instead touting his cognitive test results: “I took the cognitive test and I aced it 100% and I bet you guys couldn’t get 100% on that exam. It’s a tough exam. You know, when you get into the mid questions, it gets to be pretty tricky and pretty tough, and the last questions are very tough, and I aced it.”
Trump Third Term Debate: Constitutional Limits
The Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 after FDR’s four terms, is unambiguous: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Some supporters have floated a loophole—since the amendment specifies “elected,” could Trump serve a third term if not directly elected, like through vice-presidential succession? Legal experts dismiss this. The 12th Amendment bars anyone “constitutionally ineligible” for the presidency from being vice president, which scholars say includes a twice-elected president. “It’s a non-starter,” constitutional law professor Michael Gerhardt told CNN. “The amendment’s intent is clear.”
Yet the idea has legs among Trump’s allies. Steve Bannon, a former adviser, told Bill Maher in April 2025: “President Trump is going to run for a third term, and President Trump is going to be elected again on the afternoon of January 20th of 2029. He’s going to be President of the United States.” Bannon’s prediction lacks a legal roadmap, but it reflects the enthusiasm of Trump’s base, some of whom have even started selling “Trump 2028” hats for $50, per People magazine.
Critics see Trump’s comments as more political theater than serious intent. “It’s a distraction,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) told reporters. “He knows the Constitution won’t bend.” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise downplayed the idea in March 2025, telling reporters Trump is just “getting people talking” with no real plan to amend the Constitution. That would require a two-thirds vote in Congress or a constitutional convention—both highly unlikely. For now, Trump’s third-term tease seems designed to keep his base energized, but legal and public hurdles make it a long shot.
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People: Donald Trump Says ‘Loopholes Have Been Discussed’ for a Third Presidential Term
Published April 26, 2025, this article covers Trump’s TIME interview, quoting his “loopholes” remark and his cognitive test boast, noting the “Trump 2028” hats being sold.
Fox News: Trump won’t use ‘loopholes’ to seek third term in White House
Published April 26, 2025, this piece highlights Trump’s claim he doesn’t believe in loopholes, notes Bannon’s prediction, and cites the Reuters/Ipsos poll showing broad opposition.
AOL/Fox News: Trump won’t use ‘loopholes’ to seek third term in White House
Published April 26, 2025, this reprint mirrors the Fox article, detailing Trump’s TIME comments and the constitutional barrier of the 22nd Amendment.
