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By Mandy Taheri
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Evangelist Franklin Graham urged participants at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday to “do everything” they can try to get President Donald Trump reelected.
In an updated statement sent to Newsweek after the speech, however, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said, "It was a privilege to speak at CPAC this morning. Early in my remarks, I made the point that 'President Trump is not on the ballot, but his policies are.' As I closed, I meant to say that we need to re-elect President Trump’s policies, but misspoke. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify any confusion."
Trump cannot legally serve a third presidential term under the U.S. Constitution. Its 22nd Amendment states that "no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice."
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Why It Matters
Trump and his closest allies have at times teased a third term, and others, like Steve Bannon, have repeatedly claimed there is a plan to ensure the president remains in the White House after the next election, and Trump 2028 merchandise has even been sold online.
The 22nd Amendment, which was ratified in 1951, was primarily in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms as president. An amendment could potentially allow an individual to serve three terms, but amending the U.S. Constitution is difficult as it requires the legislation to first pass through with a two-thirds majority in both congressional chambers. The Constitution was last amended in 1992 with the ratification of the 27th Amendment.
CPAC draws hundreds of conservatives each year for a gathering that features prominent voices on the right, including politicians, activists and media figures.
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What To Know
Graham, who is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and a longtime Trump supporter, took the CPAC stage in Texas on Thursday to praise Trump and encourage a third term.
Graham told the audience, “I love him [Donald Trump]. And we will only have one chance at this. We will never get another president like Donald Trump, never.”
He continued, “That’s why it's important we do everything that we can to try to get him reelected. He stands not only for religious freedom, he stands up for Christians, like no president we’ve ever had.”
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While calls for Trump’s third term appeared to have dwindled more recently, the president had spoken about it during a January speech to House Republicans. "I could have the most unbelievable four years. I guess I'm not allowed to run. ... I'm not sure, is there a little something out there I'm not allowed to run? Let's assume I was allowed to run. I could have," he said, then added, "This is going to be a constitutional movement."
In late 2025, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to reports that Trump privately discussed running for a third term with his former attorney, saying, “There has never been an Administration that has accomplished as much in less than one year than the Trump Administration. The American people would be lucky to have President Trump in office for even longer.”
What People Are Saying
Representative Mike Levin, a California Democrat, said in a March 24 X post: “There will be no third term for President Trump, and certainly not one as a reward for an election that was never stolen from him in the first place. This is delusional, and this is not up for debate.”
Representative Andy Ogles said in a January statement: "[President Trump] has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation's decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal. To that end, I am proposing an amendment to the Constitution to revise the limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment on presidential terms. This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs."
Steve Bannon, former Trump adviser, told The Economist in October 2025: "He's going to get a third term...so Trump is going to be president in 2028. And people just ought to get accommodated with that.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a March 2025 statement: “Donald Trump is once again talking about running for a third term. You're not getting a third term. Stop talking foolishness. The Constitution doesn't permit it. And not a single Democrat in the Congress will ever vote for it. Therefore, it's not happening,” Jeffries said. “We're going to push back. We're going to show up, stand up and speak up until we end this national nightmare once and for all.”
What Happens Next
CPAC will continue programming through Saturday.
Update 3/26/26, 8:34 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
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