A new proposal introduced in January 2025 by Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee seeks to amend the U.S. Constitution and allow presidents to serve three terms. This proposal specifically targets the Twenty-second Amendment, which currently limits presidents to two terms. The amendment would allow presidents to serve a third term, provided their terms are non-consecutive.
The language of the amendment has sparked significant discussion, especially among conservative circles, as it could enable former President Donald Trump to serve another term. Trump, who has already served one full term and is currently running for a second term, could, under this proposed amendment, serve an additional term if elected after 2024. This would extend his presidency until 2033.
The idea of allowing presidents to serve more than two terms is not new. Over the years, various proposals have surfaced to modify or repeal the Twenty-second Amendment. Former President Ronald Reagan, for example, suggested in the 1980s that term limits were undemocratic, especially as life expectancies increased. In the late 1990s, President Bill Clinton also expressed support for revisiting the amendment, citing the increased longevity of public figures and the changing nature of politics.
Despite these previous discussions, the practical challenges of passing such an amendment are considerable. For a constitutional amendment to pass, it requires the approval of two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Following that, at least 38 states must ratify the proposal. Given the current polarized political climate in the U.S., the chances of achieving such broad bipartisan support appear slim.
Moreover, legal experts have pointed out that there are significant hurdles to such a proposal. The current legal framework doesn’t allow for non-consecutive terms beyond the existing two-term limit. While the proposal is likely to attract significant attention from Trump’s supporters, there are questions about its constitutionality and feasibility in practice. For instance, some critics argue that the proposal could undermine the democratic principle of term limits, which was implemented to prevent any one individual from holding too much power for an extended period.
Furthermore, discussions around this proposal come at a time when Trump’s influence in the Republican Party remains substantial. At the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), several conservative groups, such as the Third Term Project, have voiced support for the idea, arguing that Trump’s leadership is necessary for the country’s future. These groups believe that extending Trump’s presidency would provide stability and continued leadership for the conservative movement.
However, the amendment faces legal scrutiny. While the political debate is intense, the ultimate outcome of this proposal depends on its legal interpretation and the challenges it would face in the courts. Even if the amendment were to pass through Congress, legal experts suggest that its viability would likely be challenged in the courts, where questions regarding its constitutionality could take years to resolve.
In conclusion, while the proposal to amend the Constitution and allow Donald Trump to serve a third term until 2033 has gained attention, it faces significant challenges. Achieving the necessary legal and political support is a difficult and long process. The proposal highlights ongoing debates about presidential term limits and raises important questions about the future of U.S. politics and the role of the presidency.
