Trump Hints at Third Term: ‘There Are Methods’ to Make It Happen

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by refusing to rule out a third term in the White House, despite the clear restrictions of the 22nd Amendment. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump suggested that there are ways to bypass the constitutional limit, emphasizing that he was “not joking” about the possibility.

During a Sunday-morning phone interview, Trump claimed that many of his allies have encouraged him to seek a third term.

“A lot of people want me to do it,” he said. “But I basically tell them we have a long way to go. It’s very early.”

While insisting that his current focus is on his ongoing administration, Trump didn’t shy away from acknowledging the possibility of returning to office for a third term.

When directly asked if he was serious about pursuing another term, Trump reaffirmed, “I’m not joking.” However, he admitted, “It is far too early to think about it.”

Pressed on whether any specific plans had been presented to him that would enable a third term, Trump responded cryptically: “There are methods which you could do it.”

NBC News then inquired whether one such method could involve Vice President JD Vance running for office and then handing power back to Trump. “That’s one,” Trump confirmed, before adding, “But there are others, too.”

When asked to elaborate, he declined, simply saying, “No.”

Under current U.S. law, a third presidential term would require amending the Constitution, an arduous process demanding a two-thirds majority in Congress or a constitutional convention initiated by two-thirds of the states. Any amendment would then need ratification by three-quarters of the states, making such a change highly improbable.

Despite these challenges, Trump’s strong polling numbers bolster his confidence. “A lot of people would like me to” serve another term, he asserted.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed discussion among his allies about extending presidential term limits. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has proposed a resolution to alter the existing restrictions, potentially opening a pathway for Trump to run again.

Meanwhile, longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon fueled speculation in a recent News Nation interview, predicting that Trump would “run and win again in 2028.” He hinted at multiple possible strategies to circumvent the current two-term limit, though he did not specify them.

The White House recently played into Trump’s self-styled regal image by posting a mocked-up magazine cover of him wearing a crown. This came in response to his administration’s decision to block congestion pricing in New York City. The official White House X account quoted Trump’s earlier Truth Social post, proclaiming: “LONG LIVE THE KING!”

Trump’s latest comments are sure to fuel further debate over his future political ambitions and the implications for American democracy. Whether these “methods” for a third term hold any real weight remains to be seen, but for now, the speculation continues.