Can Donald Trump run for president again in 2028?

The suggestion by Steve Bannon that Donald Trump could run for a third term as president hinges on a potential loophole in the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two terms, but there’s ambiguity about whether it applies to non-consecutive terms. The language of the amendment states that no person can be elected to the office of the president more than twice, but it doesn’t specify that those terms must be consecutive. Bannon’s argument is that since Trump’s two terms would be non-consecutive, he might be eligible to run again in 2028.

However, while this interpretation has some theoretical merit, the reality is far more complicated. To modify or overturn the 22nd Amendment would require a significant legislative effort. Changing the Constitution would necessitate support from two-thirds of both the House and Senate (290 members in the House and 67 in the Senate), and then it would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50). This process is notoriously difficult and would be a monumental challenge, especially given the political landscape.

Additionally, another potential route to a third term would be through a Constitutional Convention, which could be called if two-thirds of the states (34 out of 50) support it. However, even this would require approval from 38 states afterward, making it an improbable path.

Even if Trump wanted to pursue this option, at 82 years old, it’s unlikely he would have the energy or the political backing necessary to successfully navigate this process. The 22nd Amendment is quite clear in its intent, and despite his influence, Trump would face insurmountable obstacles to overturning it.

In conclusion, while the idea of a third term for Trump may generate headlines, it is extremely unlikely to happen. The legal and political barriers are simply too high, and Trump would likely be done with politics after his second term.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Privacy & Cookies Policy