THREE-TERM TRUMP
- Kean Huy Alado
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Jasmine Frierson
“I think it’s unconstitutional... I also think it's crazy how everyone else in the office is letting it happen,” said Nadia Lewis, Senior Communication student and member of Black Student Union.
Upon beginning his second term, a new political resolution has proposed extending Donald Trump’s presidential term to three terms. On March 20, Trump went on record with NBC saying, “A lot of people want me to do it. I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it's very early in the administration... I’m not joking.”
This raises concerns for the future of democracy as the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. Although Trump himself entertained the possibility as early as 2020, this resolution was formally introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 23, 2025.
Introduced by Congressmen Andy Ogles, the House Joint Resolution seeks to amend the Constitution. Ogles argues that Trump’s leadership is essential for restoring America’s strength and stability, stating, “President Trump has shown time and time again that his loyalty lies with the American people and our great nation above all else... we, as legislators and as states, must do everything in our power to support him,” citing his decisive actions on issues like border security and energy independence.
“In just a few short days, President Trump has already taken action to undo the catastrophic policies of the Biden Administration and put the United States back on the path to strength and prosperity,” said Congressman Ogles.
Critics argue that amending the Constitution could undermine democracy and set a dangerous precedent for future leaders. This Amendment was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms as president, from 1933 to 1945, breaking the longstanding two-term tradition set by George Washington.
Historically, the two-term limit was established to prevent the rise of an “elective monarchy,” emphasizing the importance of peaceful transitions of power. In response to this topic, Donald Trump underscored his seriousness on the issue in the same NBC interview. “There are methods which you could do it,” he said.
His allies are now exploring avenues to challenge the constitutional two-term limit, rather than fear mongering, sparking public and political discourse.
Students and faculty at Barry University have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. Some view it as a necessary reform to address contemporary challenges, while others see it as a dangerous overreach. In an era where the balance of power and democracy are under scrutiny, the current debate of constitutionality or the balance of power coincide.
Dr. Leah Blumenfeld, associate professor of political sciences and co-chair of the Campus Democracy Project (CDP), weighed in on the matter.
“While he may have won the popular vote, he does not have a mandate and there is not a really strong case to be made for why this amendment is necessary in the moment or beneficial to any- one but the incumbent himself.”
Her perspective adds beneficial insights to the Barry community on how this could shape future elections, how people are feeling, and raises concerns about democracy’s future.
If passed, the House Joint Resolution has the potential to completely reshape the political and social landscape of America’s democracy. This change could potentially influence how future elections are held and how political leaders are held accountable. While supporters see it to ensure continuity in leadership, opposers fear it could weaken democratic institutions and constitutional laws.
Amending the Constitution requires a supermajority in two-thirds of the houses of Congress then ratification by three-fourths of the states. The ongoing debate over the House Joint Resolution creates a spectacle out of the current tensions between the ideals of democracy and the realities of political power struggles. As the debate continues, the nation faces the challenge of maintaining stability while preserving democratic ideas.
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