Democrats Respond to Trump's Third Term Remarks
Following a significant defeat in the 47th US presidential election, the Democratic Party is expressing outrage over President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting the possibility of a third term in office. During a meeting with Republican House members, Trump jokingly remarked, "I will not run again unless you say, 'The president is doing too well and we have to find a way to do this.'" Although many attendees interpreted this as a light-hearted joke, Democrats are taking it seriously, fearing it reflects Trump's ongoing interest in extending his presidency beyond the constitutional limits.
In response, Democratic Representative Dan Goldman from New York is planning to propose a constitutional amendment aimed at clarifying the 22nd Amendment, which currently states that no person may be elected to the presidency more than twice. Goldman's proposal seeks to eliminate any ambiguity by explicitly stating that this limitation applies to a total of two terms, thereby preventing Trump from running again in 2024. The resolution would also specify that it applies retroactively to Trump, who has already served two terms, having won the elections in 2016 and 2024.
The Constitutional Challenge of a Third Term
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was designed to prevent any president from serving more than two terms, a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four-term presidency. Trump's remarks have reignited discussions about the potential for constitutional amendments, which, while theoretically possible, are notoriously difficult to achieve in the current polarized political climate.
Amending the Constitution requires a proposal by either a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives or a convention called by two-thirds of the states. Following the recent elections, the Republican Party holds a majority in both chambers, complicating the likelihood of a Democratic-led amendment passing. However, the Guardian has suggested that Democrats may utilize the "first consent" procedure to bring the resolution to the floor for discussion, highlighting the party's strategy to draw public attention to Trump's comments, which they view as anti-democratic.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Trump's remarks and the potential for constitutional amendments will continue to be a focal point in American politics, raising questions about the future of presidential term limits and the integrity of democratic processes.
