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By Anna Commander
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What's New
Former Fox News host Geraldo Rivera posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday suggesting that President-elect Donald Trump and his team may be "chattering" soon about potentially amending the 22nd Amendment.
Rivera said on X, "for future reference: President Trump & Co. will soon start chattering about revoking/amending the 22d Amendment, which limits presidents to two four year terms. He just needs 38 of 50 state governments to agree to convene. (3/4ths) Trump won 30 in 2024.Trump in 2028?"
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Newsweek reached out to the Trump transition team via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, says that no one person can be elected to the office of the President more than twice. The Constitution may be amended if two-thirds of the states petition for a convention.
What To Know
Over the years, there have been attempts to modify or repeal the 22nd Amendment, often driven by arguments favoring continuity in leadership during times of crisis or the will of the voters. Proponents of repeal argue that term limits can arbitrarily cut short effective leadership, particularly during prolonged periods of economic recovery, war, or national emergencies. Allowing a president to serve beyond two terms, they contend, would enable experienced leadership to guide the country through challenges without the disruption of changing administrations. This argument gained particular attention during debates over Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, as his four terms were seen as a stabilizing force during both the Great Depression and World War II.
Another proposal has been to allow presidents to serve nonconsecutive terms, similar to Grover Cleveland's two nonconsecutive presidencies. Advocates of this approach argue it would give voters the flexibility to return a previously successful leader to office without violating the principles of the 22nd Amendment. Critics, however, maintain that such changes could open the door to indefinite presidencies, undermining the democratic system of checks and balances and potentially concentrating power in one individual for extended periods.
Despite these periodic discussions, efforts to repeal or significantly modify the 22nd Amendment have largely failed to gain traction. The amendment continues to serve as a safeguard against executive overreach, reinforcing the principle that the presidency is a temporary position, rooted in service rather than power. It remains a cornerstone of American democracy, reflecting the nation's longstanding commitment to limited governance and the peaceful transition of power.
What People Are Saying
Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon said during a speech at the New York Young Republican Club's annual gala on Sunday evening, "Donald John Trump is going to raise his hand on a King James Bible and take the oath of office, his third victory... and his second term," Bannon said. "And the viceroy Mike Davis tells me, since it doesn't actually say consecutive, that, I don't know, maybe we do it again in '28? Are you guys down for that? Trump '28?"
Political analyst Craig Agranoff told Newsweek via text message that Rivera's post is "an interesting take, but at this point, it's more speculation than anything grounded in reality. While it's clear that Trump's influence in American politics remains strong, the Constitution is very clear about term limits. That said, in today's political environment, I think we've learned to never say never when it comes to unexpected narratives gaining traction."
Trump ally Mike Davis said on X, "Dear Reporters: Here is my response to the many of you reaching out to me for comment: 'Steve Bannon is obviously trolling. Only Obama gets a third term, with his puppet Biden.'"
Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman introduced a resolution asking both Republicans and Democrats to "support and defend the Constitution" and pledge support for the 22nd Amendment. After Trump's landslide victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Goldman said in an email to Newsweek on November 14, "The Constitution is clear that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and any attempt for Donald Trump to circumvent the 22nd Amendment is blatantly unconstitutional. I call on all of my colleagues – Democrat and Republican alike – to stand by the oath we all took to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and confirm the Congress' commitment to this principle."
What Happens Next
Trump's inauguration is Monday, January 20 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Numerous Democrats have vowed not to attend Trump's Inauguration.
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