Before a crowd in Corpus Christi, Texas, a startling claim echoed: the possibility of a third presidential term. Former President Donald Trump suggested he would be entitled to remain in office beyond the traditional two-term limit, citing alleged widespread fraud in the 2020 election.
This isn’t a new sentiment. For years, Trump has subtly, and increasingly directly, hinted at circumventing the constitutional two-term limit established by the 22nd Amendment. This amendment was ratified specifically to prevent a repeat of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office.
The idea first surfaced publicly in 2018, with a seemingly admiring comment about China’s decision to abolish presidential term limits. He playfully suggested the U.S. might “give that a shot someday,” a remark that initially drew laughter but hinted at a deeper contemplation.
Early references were often framed as jokes. During a 2019 speech, he quipped about potentially staying in office for another decade or more, again eliciting amusement from the audience. He later clarified these statements, insisting he wouldn’t violate the Constitution.
However, the tone shifted during his second term. At a 2025 rally, the suggestion of serving “twice or three times or four times” felt less like a jest and more like a deliberate provocation, quickly followed by a correction to “twice.”
Just months later, in a nationally televised interview, Trump stated he was “not joking” about a third term, vaguely alluding to “methods” for achieving it. He offered no specifics, leaving the possibility open to interpretation and fueling speculation.
The claim in Texas reiterated the core argument: the 2020 election was compromised, and therefore, a subsequent term would be a rightful correction. He asserted, “We’re entitled to it! ‘Cause they CHEATED like HELL on the second one. We’d actually be entitled to it.”
Despite these repeated suggestions, Trump has not formally announced a campaign for a third term. The legal and constitutional hurdles remain significant, but the persistent raising of the issue continues to ignite debate and challenge established norms.
