Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented on former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the possibility of a third term in office. Thune suggested that Trump might just be playing around with the media when he talks about this idea.
During an interview with NBC News, Trump told journalist Kristen Welker that he was “not joking” about a third term. However, he also mentioned that it was “far too early to think about it.” Thune, speaking to reporters, downplayed the seriousness of Trump’s comments, saying, “I think he’s probably having some fun with it and probably messing with you.”
Thune pointed out that Trump cannot serve a third term without changing the Constitution, specifically referring to the 22nd Amendment. This amendment was put in place in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms, limiting presidents to two terms in office.
Trump has frequently brought up the idea of a third term over the years. Earlier this year, Representative Anthony Ogles from Tennessee even proposed an amendment to the Constitution to allow it. Ogles argued that if Roosevelt could have more than two terms, then Trump should be allowed the same privilege.
To amend the Constitution, a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate is required, or a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by approval from 38 out of 50 state legislatures or conventions.
In his conversation with Welker, Trump mentioned that there are “methods” to make a third term happen. One scenario he suggested involved Vice President JD Vance running for president and then passing the “baton” to Trump.
When pressed about his seriousness regarding a third term, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, “I’m not looking at that, but I’ll tell you, I have had more people ask me to have a third term.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that reporters keep asking Trump about the topic, and he answers with a smile, which often leads to intense reactions from the media.