Fact Check: "Constitutional changes can allow leaders to remain in power indefinitely."
What We Know
The claim that constitutional changes can allow leaders to remain in power indefinitely is rooted in discussions around potential amendments to the U.S. Constitution, particularly regarding presidential term limits. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly states that "no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice" (source-3). However, there have been proposals to amend this amendment. For instance, H.J.Res.29, introduced in the 119th Congress, seeks to propose a constitutional amendment that would increase the number of times a person may be elected President (source-1). This indicates that while the current constitution limits presidential terms, there are mechanisms through which these limits could potentially be altered.
Moreover, discussions surrounding "Project 2025," a plan associated with Donald Trump and his supporters, suggest a desire to consolidate power and possibly undermine existing checks and balances (source-2, source-5). Trump's own comments about considering ways to serve a third term further highlight the ongoing discourse about potential changes to presidential term limits (source-3).
Analysis
The evidence suggests that while the current constitutional framework imposes term limits on the presidency, there are ongoing discussions and proposals that could lead to changes in this regard. The introduction of H.J.Res.29 indicates a legislative effort to modify the existing rules, which could theoretically allow a president to serve more than two terms if such an amendment were to pass (source-1).
However, the likelihood of such an amendment passing is uncertain, as it requires significant political consensus and is subject to rigorous scrutiny. Constitutional law experts, such as Jeremy Paul from Northeastern University, have stated that there are "no credible legal arguments" for circumventing the 22nd Amendment without a formal amendment process (source-3).
The sources discussing "Project 2025" also raise concerns about the implications of such changes, suggesting that they could undermine democratic norms and checks and balances (source-5). This indicates a potential risk of leaders attempting to extend their power indefinitely if constitutional changes were made.
Conclusion
The claim that constitutional changes can allow leaders to remain in power indefinitely is Partially True. While the current constitutional framework does impose term limits, there are proposals and discussions that could lead to changes in these limits. However, the feasibility of such changes is highly uncertain and would require significant political will and public support. Additionally, the legal and democratic implications of such changes are contentious and would likely face substantial opposition.
Sources
- H.J.Res.29 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Proposing an ...
- Subject-by-Subject Breakdown of Trump's Project 2025
- Trump says heβs considering ways to serve a third term as ...
- La Stampa - Ultime notizie di cronaca e news dall'Italia e dal mondo
- Project 2025 Would Destroy the U.S. System of Checks ...
- Torino: notizie di cronaca e sport - La Stampa
- How Donald Trump could remain president of the United ...
- Esteri: le ultime notizie dall'Europa e dal mondo - La Stampa