House Speaker Johnson pours cold water on Trump third term talk: ‘That’s a high bar’

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed President Trump’s comments about seeking a third term in the White House, emphasizing the constitutional barriers that would need to be overcome. Johnson pointed out that amending the Constitution to allow for a third term would be a challenging process, as outlined in the 22nd Amendment ratified in 1951, which limits presidents to serving two terms.

The Speaker highlighted the rigorous requirements for amending the Constitution, which include approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-quarters of state legislatures. With Republicans holding narrow majorities in Congress, the likelihood of such an amendment passing is slim. Despite Trump’s jokes and musings about a third term, the legal obstacles remain significant.

Trump himself has hinted at the possibility of a third term, stating that “a lot of people want me to do it,” but acknowledging that it is too early to seriously consider the idea. Some allies of the president have suggested exploiting a loophole in the 22nd Amendment by potentially assuming the role of Speaker of the House and then returning to the presidency.

While former President Franklin D. Roosevelt remains the only president to serve more than two terms, Trump’s flirtation with the idea has sparked debate and speculation. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed the notion of a third term without a constitutional change, indicating that Trump may be toying with the media on the topic.

The prospect of a third term for Trump has garnered mixed reactions, with some advocating for a constitutional amendment to allow presidents to seek a third term under certain conditions. However, the legal and political hurdles involved in such a process make it a challenging endeavor.

Overall, the discussion surrounding a potential third term for President Trump underscores the complexities of amending the Constitution and the historic precedent set by past presidents in adhering to term limits. While Trump’s comments have generated buzz, the practicality of pursuing a third term remains uncertain in the current political landscape.