US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested he could seek a third term in office, despite the long-standing precedent and constitutional amendment that limits presidents to two terms. His remarks challenge both legal interpretations of the US Constitution and a historical tradition that dates back to the nation’s first president, George Washington.
Washington Set the Two-Term Standard
The two-term limit was an unwritten rule until the mid-20th century, set in motion by George Washington, who voluntarily stepped down after serving two terms. Though there was no constitutional restriction at the time, Washington’s decision established a precedent that later presidents followed. By the time Andrew Jackson endorsed Martin Van Buren as his successor, the two-term limit had become the norm.
Several presidents considered extending their time in office but failed. Ulysses S. Grant attempted to secure a third term but lacked sufficient support. Theodore Roosevelt, after serving nearly two full terms, initially refused to seek a third but later reversed course in 1912—only to lose the election.
FDR’s Exception and the 22nd Amendment
Franklin D. Roosevelt remains the only U.S. president to have won a third and fourth term. Running for re-election during World War II, FDR framed his decision as a necessity rather than ambition. He ultimately won the 1940 and 1944 elections, but his extended presidency led to backlash. Following his death in 1945, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment, formally restricting presidents to two terms.
The amendment, ratified in 1951, allows for a unique exception: A vice president who assumes the presidency for less than half a term can still be elected twice, effectively serving up to 10 years. This provision applied to Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Harry Truman, though both opted against running for additional terms after facing political challenges.
Trump’s Legal Arguments and Political Implications
Trump has hinted at legal loopholes that could allow him to seek a third term, though experts widely agree that the 22nd Amendment makes such a bid unconstitutional. His comments have drawn comparisons to Ronald Reagan, who once supported repealing the term limit—but only for future presidents, not himself.
If Trump were to pursue a third term in 2028, he would not only challenge constitutional law but also face strong opposition from voters who have repeatedly upheld the two-term tradition. As history shows, American voters and lawmakers have consistently rejected efforts to extend a president’s time in office, making Trump’s ambitions unlikely to materialize.