Trump serious about seeking third term despite constitutional limit

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
30 Mar 2025 20:36

Trump is reportedly "not joking" about pursuing a third presidential term despite an institutionalized limitation on the number of times a US president can run for office.

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US President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (AP)

Republican President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he was serious about the idea of seeking a third presidential term, despite the US Constitution barring it. However, he added that it was too early to consider taking such a step.

Trump, who kickstarted his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, has previously hinted at the possibility of a third term but addressed it directly in a telephone interview with NBC News.

"No, I'm not joking. I’m not joking," Trump said. However, he added, "It is far too early to think about it."

The current president suggested that there are "methods" to pursue a third term but declined to provide details.

Under the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution, presidents are limited to two four-year terms, whether consecutive or not.

Trump's approval ratings wane

Whether Trump is able to secure a third term, despite the controversy, remains unclear. However, it is noteworthy that many polls are revealing a growing disapproval of the United States public of President Donald Trump, just three months into his presidency.

An SSRS poll conducted for CNN published on March 12 indicates that more than half of Americans express dissatisfaction with Donald Trump's handling of the economy, highlighting broader concerns about his economic agenda.

The survey revealed that 56% of respondents disapprove of Trump's economic management, while 61% expressed dissatisfaction with his tariff policies, with his approach to foreign affairs receiving 58% disapproval and 56% of Americans voicing disapproval of his handling of health care policy.

More than 50% of Americans disappointed with Trump's team

Moreover, most United States citizens are generally disappointed with the people Trump appointed in his administration, according to a poll conducted by the NBC broadcaster on Wednesday.

The poll indicated that 52% of those surveyed expressed general disappointment with Trump's appointees, while 45% of respondents stated that they generally supported the candidates selected by the president, revealing a divide in public opinion on his choices.

Conducted among 1,000 adult US citizens from March 7-11, the poll took place before the scandalous leaks of a Signal chat involving Trump's senior administration officials, providing insight into public opinion prior to the controversy.

Conducted during Trump's first term in December 2016, the poll revealed that 44% of those sampled were dissatisfied with his team, while 43% expressed support for the candidates appointed by Trump, highlighting a closely divided public opinion.