Former President Donald Trump said he’s serious about the idea of returning to the Oval Office for a third term — and believes there might be a legal way to make it happen.
During a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, the 78-year-old Trump revealed, “a lot of people want me to do it.”
He went on to suggest a potential strategy, floating the idea that Vice President JD Vance, 40, could run for the presidency with Trump as his VP — only for Vance to step down, opening the path for Trump to reassume the presidency.
“But there are others too,” Trump added, without offering additional specifics.
The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1951, bars anyone from being elected president more than twice. However, Trump’s suggestion hinges on a possible loophole — the idea that if Vance resigned, Trump might be able to retake the role without being elected a third time.
When asked about the idea, Trump responded, “I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration. I’m focused on the current,” emphasizing that his attention remains on the present.
Trump also explained his interest in extending his time in office, saying it stems from his enjoyment of the job. “I like working,” he noted, when asked why he’d consider staying on until 2033.
“I’m not joking,” Trump told Welker, reiterating that the idea is not just a gimmick. “But I’m not — it is far too early to think about it.”
Over the years, Trump has brought up the possibility of a third term multiple times. Initially, many saw the comments as either sarcastic or a tactic to maintain political leverage and dispel the idea that his influence would fade as a term-limited president.
Supporters have echoed the sentiment at various rallies and appearances, often chanting “four more years!” — embracing the concept of Trump remaining on the national stage longer than constitutionally expected.
Historically, Franklin Delano Roosevelt remains the only president to serve more than two terms. He died early in his fourth term, which led to the passage of the 22nd Amendment. Prior to FDR, presidents generally followed the two-term precedent set by George Washington.
Trump, now the second person in U.S. history to hold two non-consecutive terms, is positioned to become the oldest president to complete a term. When his second stint concludes in January 2029, he’ll be 82 years and seven months old — surpassing Joe Biden, who finished his presidency at 82 years and two months.
If he were to return for a third term, Trump would be approaching 87 by the time it ended.
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