WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump stirred controversy Sunday by refusing to rule out a third term, responding to a new House Republican proposal to amend the 22nd Amendment with cryptic comments about “methods” to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits.
The remarks came during a phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, where Trump was asked about a bill introduced last week by Rep. Tom Hargrove (R-N.C.). The legislation would allow presidents to serve a third term if the terms are nonconsecutive. “A lot of people want me to do it. But … my thinking is, we have a long way to go. I’m focused on the current,” Trump said, before adding, “There are methods which you could do it.”
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, caps presidential service at two terms, consecutive or not, a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term tenure. Hargrove’s bill, filed as H.R. 2371, would require a president to sit out one term before running again and excludes two-term former presidents like Barack Obama from eligibility.
When Welker pressed Trump on potential strategies—mentioning a scenario where Vice President JD Vance could run in 2028 and “pass the baton” back to him—Trump replied, “Well, that’s one. But there are others too,” declining to elaborate. He emphasized, “I’m not joking,” a shift from past rally quips where he teased serving “three times or four times” before clarifying it was humor.
Hargrove, a freshman lawmaker, insisted his proposal isn’t tied to Trump, who began his second term in January 2025. “This is about giving voters options in a changing world,” he told reporters Monday. Still, Trump’s comments reignited speculation about his intentions as he approaches the midpoint of his current term.
Legal experts dismissed the feasibility. “It’s illegal. He has no chance. That’s all there is to say,” Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, said in a statement. Amending the Constitution requires two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by 38 states—a steep climb in today’s divided political landscape.
Trump doubled down on his stance, telling Welker, “It is far too early to think about it,” yet repeating, “I’m not joking.” The exchange echoed his January rally in Nevada, where he told supporters, “It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve, not once but twice or three times or four times,” later clarifying he meant just two terms.
On X, reactions split sharply. Posts praising Trump’s “bold vision” clashed with others decrying a “power grab.” A web search showed no groundswell of support for Hargrove’s bill, which awaits committee review.
By January 2029, Trump will be 82 years and 7 months old, making him the oldest president to leave office, surpassing Joe Biden’s record of 82 years and 2 months.