Can Trump serve a third term as US president?

October 27, 2025

President Donald Trump has suggested he would be open to serving a third presidential term, despite the 22nd Amendment's constitutional limit of two terms. The Trump Organization is already selling "Trump 2028" merchandise, and former adviser Steve Bannon has claimed a "plan" exists to secure Trump another term, possibly through a constitutional loophole involving succession from the vice presidency. Legal scholars widely dismiss these theories, noting that constitutional amendments explicitly prevent anyone who has served two terms from holding the presidency again.

Who is affected

Donald Trump (current president discussing potential third term)
The Trump Organization (selling 2028 campaign merchandise)
Steve Bannon (former Trump strategist proposing plans for third term)
Eric Trump (pictured wearing Trump 2028 merchandise)
JD Vance (vice president mentioned as potential running mate in succession theory)
Daniel Goldman (Democratic Representative opposing the idea)
Senator Markwayne Mullin (Republican opposing constitutional changes)
Republican Congressman Tom Cole (dismissing the idea)
American voters and the general public
Members of Congress (both Republican and Democratic parties)
State legislatures (would need to approve constitutional amendments)

What action is being taken

The Trump Organization is selling "Trump 2028" red caps for $50
Trump is making public statements about the possibility of a third term to reporters and supporters
Steve Bannon is publicly discussing plans for Trump to serve in 2028
Democrats like Daniel Goldman are voicing objections and calling on Congressional Republicans to oppose the idea

Why it matters

This matters because it challenges fundamental constitutional limits on presidential power that have been in place since 1951. The two-term limit was established specifically to prevent extended presidential rule following Franklin Delano Roosevelt's four-term presidency, representing a core democratic principle of peaceful power transitions. Any serious attempt to circumvent these limits would represent a significant constitutional crisis and test of American democratic institutions, potentially undermining the separation of powers and checks and balances that define the US government system. The controversy also highlights ongoing tensions between executive authority and constitutional constraints.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC