Donald Trump jokes about running for third term: 'Am I allowed to run again?'

Trump has repeatedly teased the idea of a third term, even joking to a crowd of supporters in Las Vegas over the weekend

Just over a week after taking office, US President Donald Trump, on Monday, jokingly raised the possibility of running for a third term in 2028 during a speech to Republican Members of Congress in Miami, Florida. Reflecting on his fundraising efforts, Trump humorously mentioned that he had raised money for the next presidential race but was uncertain about his eligibility under the current laws.

"I have raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can't use for myself. But I am not 100% sure, because I think I am not allowed to run again. Am I allowed to run again?" the US President said during his speech.

The comments come amid a broader conversation on Trump’s political future. Just days earlier, Trump ally Rep. Andy Ogles introduced the House Joint Resolution, arguing that Trump’s leadership had been key in reversing the nation’s decline and was needed for continued success.

Under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, presidents are limited to two terms in office, a restriction Trump referred to in his comments. However, in a move that has sparked discussion, last week, Ogles introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution, potentially allowing Trump to serve a third term if he wins two non-consecutive elections.

The proposed amendment seeks to modify the term limits outlined in the 22nd Amendment, paving the way for a third term for presidents who have served two non-consecutive terms. Ogles, a vocal supporter of Trump, explained that the amendment was necessary to "sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs." However, the amendment would need significant political support to pass, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Additionally, the amendment would have to be ratified by three-fourths of the states.

While Trump’s remarks at the House Republicans' annual retreat at his Trump National Doral resort were largely perceived as a lighthearted joke, the push for a constitutional amendment is serious. The bill to amend the Constitution has not made progress in the legislative process.

The Republican President continued to entertain the possibility of a third term, jokingly prompting Speaker Mike Johnson, who introduced him at the event, to promise a "new renaissance."

Trump has repeatedly teased the idea of a third term, even joking to a crowd of supporters in Las Vegas over the weekend, "It will be the greatest honour of my life to serve not once, but twice or three times or four times." He added, "For the next four years, I will not rest. I will not yield, and together, we will not fail."