Summary
Donald Trump refused to rule out seeking a third term as president, telling NBC News there are “methods” to do so and emphasizing, “I’m not joking.”
Though the 22nd Amendment bars presidents from serving more than two terms, Trump suggested possible workarounds, including a VP succession plan.
He cited strong poll support and added, “a lot of people want me to do it.”
Allies like Rep. Andy Ogles and Steve Bannon back the idea. Amending term limits would require a complex constitutional process.
There’s no doubt the 22nd Amendment would disqualify him, the only question is what happens when he’s disqualified? If the Supreme Court goes the same direction the majority went on the Colorado ballot case, they’d say it’s up to Congress to enforce it. Now there’s good reason for assuming they won’t say the same exact thing here, but the same cop-out instinct that the 6 Republicans have had with Trump will still be there. Maybe they’ll just say it’s up to the voters to not elect him again and leave it at that.