Proposal to Amend Constitution for Trump's Third Term Sparks Debate

2025-01-24

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has introduced a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution to allow former President Donald Trump to seek a third term in office. The proposed amendment would revise the 22nd Amendment, which currently limits presidents to two terms, to permit a president to serve three terms if their first two terms were non-consecutive. This would specifically benefit Trump, who is serving a second non-consecutive term, while preventing former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton from running again, as they served two consecutive terms.

Ogles argued that Trump’s leadership is essential to reversing the nation’s decline and restoring its greatness. “President Trump’s decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years,” Ogles said in a statement. He emphasized the need to provide Trump with the time necessary to correct what he described as the disastrous policies of the Biden administration.

The resolution faces significant hurdles. Amending the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures. Given the current political landscape and the narrow Republican majority in Congress, the proposal is widely seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a viable legislative effort.

Trump has previously joked about the possibility of a third term, telling House Republicans in November 2024, “I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we’ve got to figure something else out.’” However, he has also stated publicly that he would not pursue a third term, saying in April 2024, “I wouldn’t be in favor of a challenge. Not for me. I intend to serve four years and do a great job.”

The proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats and constitutional experts, who view it as a partisan stunt. Legal scholars have noted that while the 22nd Amendment bars presidents from being elected to a third term, it does not explicitly prevent them from serving in other capacities, such as vice president, which could theoretically allow Trump to return to power through succession. However, such a scenario would likely face legal challenges.

Ogles’ resolution underscores the deep loyalty Trump commands within the Republican Party, even as it highlights the unlikelihood of altering the Constitution to accommodate a third term for any president.

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