House Speaker Mike Johnson recently addressed the conversation he had with former President Donald Trump regarding the prospect of Trump pursuing a third term. Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, emphasized the constitutional limitations that prevent any immediate change to term limits.
Constitutional Constraints on Trump’s Third-Term Aspirations
During a press conference, Johnson remarked, “It’s been a great run. But I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution.” This reflects the constitutional framework that restricts presidential terms to two. Johnson indicated that any amendments to the U.S. Constitution would take a considerable amount of time, likely beyond Trump’s current tenure.
Lengthy Amendment Process
Johnson elaborated on the complexities involved in amending the Constitution. He stated, “I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution, because it takes about 10 years to do that.” The process requires two-thirds approval from the House and three-fourths from the states, making it a daunting task.
- Two-Term Limit: The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms.
- Amendment Process: Requires two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures to ratify.
- Time Frame: Expected duration for amendment processes is approximately 10 years.
Trump’s Continued Speculation for 2028
Despite the constitutional barriers, Trump recently expressed enthusiasm about a potential 2028 run. He stated, “I’d love to do it,” suggesting that his interest in a third term remains alive. Additionally, Trump has utilized humor, often joking about the possibility at the White House.
Political Reactions
Johnson noted that Trump’s commentary on this topic often provokes strong reactions from Democratic leaders. He remarked that Trump takes pleasure in “trolling” the opposing party, referring to their intense concerns about his 2028 intentions. Trump 2028 paraphernalia, such as hats, have even been displayed around the Oval Office, showcasing the ongoing speculation surrounding his future political ambitions.
In summary, while Trump entertains thoughts of running for a third term, both Johnson and the existing U.S. Constitution firmly outline the legal constraints involved. Any change to presidential term limits appears unlikely in the near future, emphasizing the complexities of American governance.
