There’s never a dull moment when Donald Trump is at the center of American politics, but his latest remark might be his most alarming yet. Speaking to a room full of House Republicans in Doral, Florida, Trump once again floated the idea of running for president after 2028—despite the fact that the Constitution explicitly forbids it.
“I’ve raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself, but I’m not 100% sure,” Trump told the GOP lawmakers. “I think I’m not allowed to run again. Am I allowed to run again?” He then turned to House Speaker Mike Johnson, quipping, “Mike, I better not get you involved in that.”
While it may have been said in jest, Trump’s history suggests that his jokes are often trial balloons—testing whether his base and the Republican establishment will rally behind his ambitions. And this time, there are disturbing signs that they just might.
Just days before Trump’s latest remarks, Rep. Andy Ogles introduced a proposal to overturn the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. While the chances of such an amendment passing are slim, its mere introduction signals that some within the Republican Party are willing to entertain the idea of extending Trump’s time in power.
Trump has a long track record of ignoring constitutional limitations. He has already attempted to rewrite the 14th Amendment by executive order, seeking to end birthright citizenship with the stroke of a pen. If he believes he can single-handedly alter one amendment, what’s stopping him from attempting to do the same with another?
WATCH
Trump to House Republicans at his Doral club: “I’ve raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself, but I’m not 100 percent sure. I think I’m not allowed to run again. I’m not sure.” pic.twitter.com/8sbez44aK3
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 27, 2025
His supporters, who continue to believe the lie that the 2020 election was stolen, might not need much convincing. Trump has successfully pushed baseless claims of election fraud, and if he insists that he deserves a third term as “compensation” for a so-called stolen victory, many of his followers will likely fall in line.
The former president has also mastered the art of legal delays and courtroom battles. If he were to launch a bid for an illegal third term, it’s easy to imagine him tying up the courts for years, all while using the media to normalize his unprecedented power grab.
For those who have followed Trump’s career closely, this isn’t just another headline—it’s a test run for something more dangerous. Every time he “jokes” about breaking constitutional rules, he is planting a seed. And with allies in Congress and a base that remains fiercely loyal, there’s no telling how far he might go.
