Fact Check: Donald Trump can be president for a third term

Fact Check: "Donald Trump can be president for a third term"

What We Know

The claim that Donald Trump can serve a third term as president is fundamentally contradicted by the U.S. Constitution. The 22nd Amendment explicitly states that "no person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice" (BBC). This amendment was ratified in 1951, primarily in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency, and it clearly limits any individual to two elected terms in office.

Despite Trump's assertions that he is "not joking" about the possibility of a third term, legal experts and political analysts have pointed out that there are no credible legal avenues to bypass this constitutional restriction (Reuters). Jason Husser, an associate professor of political science, emphasized that the 22nd Amendment prohibits anyone who has served two terms from being elected again, and any attempt to amend this would require significant political support that Trump currently lacks (source-1).

Furthermore, the 12th Amendment adds another layer of complexity, stating that "no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president shall be eligible to that of vice president" (BBC). This means that if Trump were to attempt to run as a vice-presidential candidate, he would still be barred from doing so due to his previous two terms.

Analysis

While Trump has made comments suggesting he might find a way to serve a third term, these ideas are largely speculative and unsupported by legal precedent. Some supporters have suggested potential loopholes, such as running as a vice-presidential candidate and then ascending to the presidency through succession (BBC). However, legal experts have dismissed these notions as unfounded. Derek Muller, a law professor, stated that there are "no 'one weird trick' to getting around presidential term limits" (BBC).

Moreover, the political landscape makes any constitutional amendment to allow a third term highly unlikely. Achieving a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, along with ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, is a daunting task, especially given the current partisan divides (AP News). Even within Trump's own party, there are significant reservations about pursuing such a change (BBC).

The sources cited, including reputable news organizations and academic experts, provide a strong consensus that Trump's claim lacks any constitutional basis. The analysis indicates that while the idea may generate discussion among his supporters, it remains firmly outside the realm of possibility under current law.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
Donald Trump cannot serve a third term as president due to the clear restrictions imposed by the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Despite his comments and the speculation from some supporters about potential loopholes, there is no credible legal framework that would allow him to bypass this constitutional barrier. The overwhelming consensus among legal experts and political analysts is that Trump's claim is not viable.