Trump Eyes a Third Term: The US Constitution Says No

President Trump ignites controversy about seeking an unprecedented third term. As written, the Constitution does not allow running for a third term. We present 5 ways he could serve again.

President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by hinting at intentions to seek an unprecedented third presidential term.

As it currently stands, the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution states:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

In a recent NBC News interview, Trump said, “A lot of people want me to do it... I'm not joking," but emphasized that "it’s very early."

Democrats have attacked Trump on this. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, stated, “This is what dictators do.”

The Constitution limit of two terms was established after Franklin D. Roosevelt broke the longstanding tradition, and served for 12 years, coming out of the Great Depression into World War Two. Americans elected FDR to a fourth term, but he passed shortly after in 1944.

What are the paths to serving a third term?

We explore five unlikely—but not impossible—scenarios that could make it happen. Upgrade to paid to read them now.