How Donald Trump Could Serve a Third Term

by Rod Williams, Nov. 14, 2024 - Yesterday, President-elect Donald Trump raised eyebrows when he told House Republicans, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.’” 

Was he joking? I don't know. Trump's supporters often say he is joking when he makes remarks about abusing power or locking up his critics or speaks approvingly of people shooting journalist. I don't know what is a joke and what is to be taken seriously. 

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution says, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once."  That clearly being what the Constitution says, how could Trump continue to serve?

He has previously talked of suspending the Constitution, and I guess he could do that. I think that would be too bold of a move, however, and to actually suspend the Constitution would require a loyal military ready to seize power. I would not put that past Trump, but I don't think he would have all the pieces in place to pull off suspending the Constitution in the next four years.

Here is how he would likely do it, if he is serious. He could run as Vice President and on day one the new President would resign and thus Vice President Donald Trump would become president. That does not violate the Constitution. That's the way Trump's buddy Putin continued in power in Russia.

If this is what Trump does, I think the guy running for president would have to be Don. Jr. I think J. D. Vance could not be trusted enough to actually resign should he be elected. This would not be something done to deceive voters; the plan would be clearly stated.

Of course, I hope that Trumps screws up so badly that the American people turn against him. Also, Trump is old and in four years he may be dead or too ill to continue in office. However, if he remains popular and is physically able, it is a real possibility he could serve a third term. By the end of a third term, I think he would have consolidated enough power to suspend the Constitution.

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