Representative Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, plans to introduce a resolution affirming Congress’s support for the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidential terms, amid discussions by President Trump and some Republicans about a potential third term. Goldman noted that Trump’s allusions to serving beyond his second term have gained traction in GOP circles. He is exploring tactics like a discharge petition to force a vote on the resolution despite Democratic minority status. Some Republicans, including Representative Andy Ogles, are pushing for constitutional amendments to allow Trump a third term, while Trump continues to invoke authority over issues like birthright citizenship.
Representative Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, plans to introduce a resolution affirming Congress’s support for the 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidents to two terms in office, amid ongoing discussions by President Trump and his supporters regarding a potential third term.
“What was once brushed off as a ‘joke’ by the media, Donald Trump’s continuous hints at serving beyond his constitutionally mandated second term have now become a core belief among G.O.P. members,” remarked Mr. Goldman on Thursday.
Mr. Goldman indicated he is looking into strategies to compel a vote on the resolution, despite Democrats being the minority in the House. This might involve utilizing a discharge petition, which can force action on a bill if it garners sufficient support from Congress members, thereby holding Republicans accountable.
While few Republicans have publicly distanced themselves from Mr. Trump, some have downplayed his comments about a third term as nothing more than humor.
The G.O.P. lacks the votes necessary to amend the Constitution, which would require a two-thirds majority in Congress and three-fourths approval from the states. Nevertheless, this hasn’t deterred some conservatives and the president himself from entertaining the idea of a third term.
Representative Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, has already proposed a constitutional amendment to enable Mr. Trump to run for a third term. A group named the Third Term Project is working to gather support for this legislation. During the recent Conservative Political Action Conference, imagery portrayed Mr. Trump as a Roman emperor with the slogan: “For Trump 2028 … And Beyond!”
Recently, Mr. Trump has made several statements about seeking another term and has referred to himself as a “king” on his social media platform. His advisors claim he is merely provocation his critics, yet during his presidency, he has embraced an expansive interpretation of his executive powers.
The president is also contesting another constitutionally guaranteed right, namely birthright citizenship. However, multiple federal judges have issued injunctions against his executive order, which seeks to eliminate automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S.