In a move that has stirred political chatter worldwide, US President Donald Trump recently reignited speculation about a potential third term in office.
Despite the clear restrictions of the 22nd Amendment, which caps presidents to two terms, Trump insists there are “methods” and “loopholes”.
DONALD TRUMP TALKS TO TIME
Speaking to TIME magazine on 25 April, Trump revealed that these loopholes are “well known,” though he claims he does not believe in using them.
The president has been candid about the interest he’s receiving. “I have more people begging me to run again” he told TIME, according to People.
“But the only thing that’s changed is they think I’m doing a great job, and they like the way I’m running the country”.
PRESIDENTIAL LOOPHOLES
One of the most talked-about loopholes involves Vice President J.D. Vance running in the 2028 election on a Vance-Trump ticket.
The plan would see Vance resign after winning, allowing Donald Trump to step in.
When asked directly if he would pursue this strategy, Trump dodged the question and instead boasted about his cognitive test results.
He claimed he “aced it 100%” and challenging interviewers to match his score.
THE 22ND AMENDMENT
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms, explicitly forbids anyone from being elected president more than twice.
Amending this would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states-a Herculean task, especially given the political climate.
South Africans watching this political drama unfold might find echoes in their own constitutional debates. The idea of bending or bypassing constitutional limits resonates globally.
It reminds us of the importance of strong democratic institutions and the rule of law. Trump’s claims also highlight how political figures can challenge norms and stir controversy, even from afar.
DONALD TRUMP SUPPORTERS ENTHUSIASTIC
Trump’s supporters remain enthusiastic. Steve Bannon, a former adviser, said in March, “A figure like this appears once every century, if we’re fortunate. We’ve got him now”.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders have cautiously acknowledged the constitutional hurdles. House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, “There are constitutional ways to amend the rules, but it’s a high bar”.
As Trump continues to tantalise with the possibility of a third term, the world watches closely. Will he attempt to rewrite the rulebook, or will constitutional limits hold firm?
THE POLITICAL THEATRE
For now, Donald Trump’s hints and boasts keep the political theatre alive-and South Africans, like the rest of the world, remain intrigued by this unfolding saga.
In the words of Trump himself: “I’m doing a good job… and unlike every other president, I took the cognitive test and I aced it 100%”.
Time will tell if that confidence translates into a third term.
DO YOU THINK A THIRD TERM FOR TRUMP IS POSSIBLE UNDER THE US CONSTITUTION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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