Trump Open to Third Term but Rejects VP Loophole Strategy

Former US President Donald Trump has recently expressed an interest in pursuing a third term in office, stating he would “love to do it.” However, he has dismissed the idea of running for vice president in 2028, a suggestion made by some of his supporters. They proposed this route as a way for Trump to bypass the constitutional limit that prevents a president from serving more than two terms.

Trump’s Stance on a Third Term

During a recent trip to Asia, Trump characterized the vice-presidential suggestion as “too cute” and emphasized it “wouldn’t be right.” The exact method he might employ for a potential third campaign remains unspecified.

Trump’s former strategist, Steve Bannon, revealed that a “plan” exists to allow Trump, now 79 years old, another shot at the presidency. While discussing his future, Trump said he has achieved his highest poll numbers ever, expressing optimism about his chances.

Potential Successors and Current Polling

In his remarks, Trump pointed to vice president JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, describing them as “unstoppable.” He highlighted his belief in the strength of his team in comparison to the Democratic Party.

Constitutional Challenges

The 22nd amendment of the US Constitution explicitly prohibits any president from serving more than two terms. To repeal this amendment, a two-thirds approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate would be required, or a constitutional convention initiated by two-thirds of state legislatures. This scenario is deemed highly improbable.

Moreover, ratification would necessitate the backing of 38 states, adding to the complexity of the process.

Future Democratic Candidates

• California Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated he is considering a presidential bid.
• Former Vice President Kamala Harris may also explore a run for the presidency.

Although the Democratic landscape for 2028 is still taking shape, several candidates have expressed potential interest. The upcoming election cycle promises to be engaging as the political landscape evolves.