President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting he could pursue a third term. In an April 2025 TIME magazine interview, the 78-year-old president, currently in his second term, claimed there are ways to bypass the U.S. Constitution’s two-term limit.
People reported that Trump’s comments follow a similar statement made in a March 2025 NBC News phone interview. He insisted he was serious about a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment, enacted in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms, prohibiting more than two presidential terms.
The TIME interview, with its full transcript published on April 25, 2025, amplified these claims.
In the TIME interview, Trump vaguely referenced “well-known loopholes” that could allow him to run again. He declined to provide specifics, stating, “I’d rather not discuss that now.” His reluctance to elaborate has left many questioning the feasibility of his assertions.
The 22nd Amendment limits a president to two elected terms. Amending the Constitution to allow a third term would require a two-thirds vote in Congress or two-thirds of states agreeing to a constitutional convention. Both scenarios are widely regarded as highly improbable.
One speculated “loophole” involves Vice President J.D. Vance winning the 2028 election on a Vance-Trump ticket and then resigning.
Trump did not directly address this idea when questioned by TIME. His silence on the matter has fueled speculation about his intentions.
Trump’s comments contrast with a 2024 TIME interview where he promised to serve only one additional term. He had said he would do a great job and then leave. This earlier pledge now seems at odds with his recent statements about a potential third term.
During the April 2025 TIME interview, Trump bragged about acing a cognitive test. He claimed, “I aced it 100%,” asserting that his interviewers could not achieve the same result. He described the test as increasingly difficult, with the final questions being particularly tough.
Trump further challenged his interviewers, saying he’d bet they couldn’t ace the test. He called the interview “very nasty” and complained that it focused on negative topics. These remarks underscore his combative style and confidence in his mental sharpness.
Trump’s second term, which began after his 2024 election victory, will make him the oldest U.S. president by January 2029.
His age and health have been topics of public interest, especially given his claims about his cognitive abilities. The cognitive test boast was a centerpiece of his TIME interview.
Trump’s third-term comments have prompted a surge in public interest. He claimed to be “inundated with requests” from supporters urging him to run again. He attributed this enthusiasm to his performance in office, stating, “They like the way I’m running the country.”
The Trump Store has capitalized on the buzz, selling “Trump 2028” hats for $50. These hats reflect the growing speculation about Trump’s future political plans. The merchandise underscores the loyalty of his base and their excitement for his continued leadership.
Despite his claims, Trump has also expressed skepticism about exploiting loopholes. He stated, “I don’t believe in using loopholes.” This contradiction has left observers puzzled about his true stance on the issue.
Any attempt to secure a third term would face significant legal hurdles. The Constitution’s two-term limit is a bedrock principle, designed to prevent prolonged presidential power. Trump’s vague references to loopholes have not provided a clear path to overcoming this restriction.
Political analysts argue that Trump’s comments may be more about energizing his base than outlining a viable plan. His supporters remain fiercely loyal, as evidenced by the demand for “Trump 2028” merchandise. Yet, the practical challenges of amending the Constitution remain daunting.