Top News

US President Donald Trump has once again given such a statement which has created panic in the political circles of the entire world. During a business summit at the White House on May 4, 2026, Trump confidently said that he would leave office “8 or 9 years from now.” When the businessmen and journalists present there started laughing thinking it was a joke, Trump interrupted them and said in a serious tone, “I am not joking.” This claim of Trump has created a storm in American politics, because the Constitution there does not allow any person to become President for the third time. After all, what is the story behind this confidence of Trump?

22nd Amendment of the US Constitution: The biggest thorn in Trump’s path

The biggest obstacle in Trump’s path is America’s 22nd Constitutional Amendment. According to this law which came into effect in 1951, no person can be elected to the post of President more than twice. In fact, after Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President for four consecutive terms (from 1932 to 1944), it was realized that concentration of power in a single hand was a threat to democracy. Trump has won the elections in 2016 and 2024, so as per rules he cannot contest the 2028 elections.

What are the legal routes for a third term?

Trump’s intentions were glimpsed on January 23, 2025, when Republican MP Andy Ogles presented a proposal to amend the Constitution. The purpose of this proposal was to clear the way for Trump’s third term by changing the 22nd Amendment. However, this bill could not even reach voting in the House.

Amending the Constitution in America is a difficult task like climbing the Himalayas. For this, two-thirds majority is required in both the houses of the Parliament (Senate and House of Representatives). After this, it is mandatory to get it passed by the legislatures of at least 38 out of the 50 states of America. Currently the Republican Party has only 52 seats in the Senate, while the amendment requires 67. At the same time, there are Democratic Party governments in many states, which will never allow the path to be cleared for Trump.

Will Donald Trump adopt ‘Putin model’?

Foreign affairs experts believe that if Trump is unable to become president directly, he may adopt the ‘Putin model’. In 2008, Russian President Vladimir Putin, after completing two terms, made his loyalist Dmitry Medvedev the President and took over the post of Prime Minister himself and kept the reins of power in his hands.

According to Hamilton College Professor Philip Klinkner, Trump himself may contest for the post of Vice President in 2028 by making a loyalist like JD Vance the presidential candidate. Although legal experts are divided on whether the Constitution would allow such a circuitous route, the discussion on it is heated among those close to Trump.

The real strategy behind Trump’s rhetoric

Retired JNU professor A. Of. Pasha believes that these statements of Trump are more political than legal. By constantly mentioning a “third term” he wants to send a message to his supporters that without him the dream of “Making America Great Again” (MAGA) will remain incomplete. This strategy is very important to energize the supporters before the 2026 midterm elections and keep the Republican Party strong in its grip. At present, it seems constitutionally impossible for Trump to remain in office for 9 years, but his statements definitely indicate a big tussle between power and the Constitution in the future.