Donald Trump considers a third term as US President: Reality meets fantasy

Recently, US President Donald Trump, in an interview, once again mentioned the possibility of considering running for a third term as president. This statement immediately drew widespread attention and discussion. Trump's idea not only challenges the constitutional limit on presidential terms set by the 22nd Amendment but also once again brings the stability of the US political system and the authority of its democratic institutions to the forefront. This article will conduct an in-depth analysis from the background of Trump's remarks, constitutional restrictions, potential approaches, and political implications.

I. Background of Trump's Remarks

Since taking office, Trump's policy style and political tactics have been highly controversial. He is adept at using personnel changes to control the situation and makes unexpected decisions, adding an element of uncertainty to US politics. Trump's pursuit of power does not seem to be deterred by the two-term limit. As early as 2018, he half-jokingly expressed his wish to become a lifetime president, and during subsequent campaign rallies, he repeatedly hinted at similar thoughts. This time, when he mentioned considering a third term, although it still had an element of jest, it also revealed his true intentions.

II. Constitutional Limitations and Realistic Dilemmas

According to the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, no person can be elected president more than twice, regardless of whether the terms are consecutive. This amendment aims to limit the tenure of the president and prevent the concentration of power and the emergence of dictatorship. For Trump, this amendment is undoubtedly a constraint. Having been elected president twice, Trump cannot run for president again in 2028 as per the constitutional provisions. This legal restriction, no matter how Trump and his supporters interpret or attempt to circumvent it, remains an insurmountable bottom line.

III. Potential Approaches and Feasibility Analysis

Despite the clear constitutional restrictions, Trump and his supporters have not given up on seeking ways to break through. They have proposed several possible solutions:

1. Amending the Constitution: Amending the Constitution is an extremely complex and difficult task that requires more than two-thirds of the votes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the approval of three-fourths of state legislatures. In the current highly polarized political environment, achieving this goal is almost an impossible task.

2. Bypassing the Vice Presidency: Some suggest that Trump could first serve as Vice President and then take over mid-term. However, this approach also faces numerous legal and political obstacles.

3. Supreme Court Ruling: With Trump's nominees holding a majority in the Supreme Court, some speculate that he might seek a ruling from the Supreme Court to support his re-election. However, as a judicial body, the Supreme Court's rulings must be based on the Constitution and the law, not personal will or political interests. Therefore, this approach is also highly unlikely to succeed.

4. Refusing to Step Down: This is the most extreme and dangerous method. Although there are historical precedents, they all led to severe political unrest and public dissatisfaction. If Trump were to take this approach, he would face immense public pressure and legal sanctions.

IV. Political Impact and Risks

Trump's remarks about considering a third term as the President of the United States, regardless of their authenticity, will have a profound impact on American politics. On the one hand, this will further intensify the opposition between the two parties and political division, making American politics even more unstable. On the other hand, this will also test the stability and authority of the American democratic system. If Trump successfully breaks through the constitutional restrictions, it may trigger broader political dissatisfaction and social unrest, and even lead to more extreme political opposition and conflicts.

V. Conclusion and Outlook

Trump's remarks about considering a third term as the President of the United States, although sounding somewhat absurd, to some extent reflect his continuous pursuit of power and challenge to the American political system. However, in the face of constitutional restrictions and practical difficulties, this idea seems difficult to realize. For the United States, maintaining the stability and authority of the democratic system is of vital importance. Although Trump's campaign path is full of uncertainties, the foundation of the American political system remains solid. In the years to come, no matter how Trump's political fate changes, the democratic path of the United States will continue to move forward.