In a recent phone interview with NBC News, former President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of seeking a third term in office, despite the constitutional limit of two terms. Trump mentioned that there could be “methods” to allow him another term, emphasizing that many people are encouraging him to pursue this option. He acknowledged a few plans, including one where Vice President JD Vance could potentially win a future election and hand over the presidency, but he withheld specific details on other possible strategies.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution restricts individuals to two presidential terms. Alteration of this amendment would necessitate approval by a two-thirds majority in Congress or a constitutional convention called by 34 states, both unlikely scenarios given the current political divide. Trump’s confidant Steve Bannon has already endorsed him for the 2028 campaign, and Representative Andy Ogles has proposed amending the 22nd Amendment to facilitate a third term for Trump.
Separately, Trump expressed his displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership. These remarks by Putin, which called for a transitional administration in Ukraine, led to Trump’s threat of imposing secondary sanctions on Russia if they fail to adhere to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The proposed sanctions would involve tariffs on Russian oil exports.
The partial ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine was reached following discussions in Riyadh, but both sides have since accused one another of violations. Russia’s call for further military action in Ukraine contradicts the terms of this deal, and Trump has communicated his concerns to Putin directly. Despite his firm stance on potential sanctions, Trump claimed to maintain a positive relationship with the Russian president.
