May Donald Trump stay US president for 12 extra years? This constitutional loophole would possibly enable it
Mar 30, 2025 11:59 AM IST
Donald Trump has taken oath because the President of the US for a second time, however he can legally return for a 3rd time period.
Donald Trump has taken oath because the President of the US for a second time, however can he legally return for a 3rd time period? A loophole within the twenty second Modification means that though a president can solely be elected twice, they will assume the function once more by way of a strategy of succession.
How does the succession course of work and might or not it’s challenged?
In accordance with the twenty second Modification, no particular person will be “elected” as president greater than twice. Nevertheless, an individual can nonetheless assume the function by way of succession. After the tip of Trump’s second time period, if he runs as a vice-presidential candidate and his operating mate resigns, he might turn out to be president for the third time. If this technique is adopted by Trump, he might proceed to serve within the White Home past 2029, and probably till 2037, in accordance with the Every day Mail.
The potential technique is that Trump might run as a vice-presidential candidate in 2028, with a nominee like JD Vance main the ticket. Ought to the ticket win, Vance might resign after his inauguration, and make Trump president. This can be a technique that might not violate the constitutional ban on being “elected” as president greater than twice. Trump can repeat the method in 2032, and if he resigns earlier than the election, he might run as vice chairman once more and reclaim his presidency utilizing the identical strategy of succession.
This technique could not come with out challenges. The plan could also be challenged by opponents in courtroom, with the argument that it violates the spirit of the twenty second Modification. Nevertheless, in accordance with authorized students, the Supreme Courtroom might rule based mostly on the textual content of the Structure and never its intent. The courtroom would possibly as effectively concentrate on the definition of “elected,” which doesn’t explicitly cease an ex-president from reclaiming his place by way of succession.
