Trump shares surprise statement on political future

President Donald Trump said that he would “probably not” pursue a third term in the White House, despite publicly floating the idea and pointing to his strong polling numbers. Knewz.com has learned that his comments came during a recent interview, where he praised his electoral record but acknowledged the constitutional barrier that prevents him from seeking another term.

Trump shuts down third term speculation

During his recent CNBC appearance, Trump cited his record in Texas as evidence of his political strength and said that he received the “highest vote in the history of Texas,” adding that it is a record “that they say won’t be beaten unless I run again.” When pressed by anchor Becky Quick on whether he would attempt another run, Trump responded, “No, probably not.” He followed by adding, “I’d like to run. I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”

Could Trump legally run again?

While speculation about Trump seeking a third term has persisted among some of his supporters, the U.S. Constitution makes it impossible under current law. A push for a third term would create a constitutional crisis, as no president has served more than two terms since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four elections between 1933 and 1945, which led directly to the passage of the 22nd Amendment in 1951. The 22nd Amendment reads, “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.” Former federal prosecutor Gene Rossi said in a statement to Newsweek that Trump could not legally seek a third term, pointing out that lawsuits would almost certainly block any attempt. “Only under Donald Trump would you have a president that even speculates, ponders or contemplates serving a third term. We’re in a different world,” Rossi said.

However, there are ways…

Rossi pointed out that there are still legal avenues for Trump to become president again. Trump previously said in a statement to NBC News that there were methods he could take to serve a third term as president, adding that he was “not joking.” Noted Trump ally Steve Bannon has also floated the idea of Trump serving another term in Office. “He does have a lane to be president again after [his] second term expires. The way he would do that is be on the ticket with the Republican nominee, presumably J.D. Vance. Donald Trump would be the vice presidential candidate. Vance wins and steps aside so that Donald Trump can be president… Because the constitution prohibits a president from being elected more than twice, so this avenue that he has means that he wouldn’t be elected president twice,” Bannon said.

Restrictions might discourage Trump from running for a third time

Senator Rand Paul suggested on Fox Business that restrictions being discussed in Congress, such as rules requiring presidents to divest business holdings, might discourage Trump or others from considering additional terms. “I think we’re going to discourage good people, successful people, from holding office. Part of the bill, I do believe, would forbid the president immediately from buying and selling stocks, and it would exempt him from the divestiture part. Future presidents wouldn’t be allowed to own things, so Donald Trump or the next president, which, you know, or some say he might run for a third term, but he would be forced to divest everything,” Paul said.

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