The Constitutional Impossibility: 5 Shocking Takeaways From Trump’s ‘Third Term’ Comments To NBC News

The question of a third presidential term for Donald Trump is one of the most explosive topics in current American political discourse, specifically ignited by his own comments to NBC News. As of December 10, 2025, the controversy remains a potent talking point, centered on a high-profile interview where the former President suggested he was "not joking" about finding a "method" to bypass the U.S. Constitution’s term limits. This statement, delivered on a major network, immediately sparked a firestorm of constitutional analysis, fact-checking, and speculation about the true intent behind such provocative political rhetoric. The core of the issue lies in the 22nd Amendment, which explicitly limits a person to two terms in the White House. Despite this clear legal barrier, Trump's repeated allusions to a third term have forced a national conversation on presidential eligibility, the limits of executive power, and the stability of American democratic norms, making his NBC remarks a critical moment in the ongoing political narrative.

Donald Trump's Explosive Claims to NBC News' Kristen Welker

The specific and controversial comments about a third term were made by Donald Trump during an interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker on "Meet the Press." The exchange became a viral moment, as Welker pressed Trump on his previous suggestions about bypassing the two-term limit. In the interview, the former President asserted that he was "not joking" about pursuing a third presidential term. He went on to claim that "there are methods" that would allow him to seek the White House for an unprecedented third time, despite the clear prohibition in the U.S. Constitution. This statement, coming from a former President and current political frontrunner, was immediately scrutinized by constitutional scholars and political analysts across the spectrum. While some reports later suggested Trump downplayed the talk of a third term in subsequent comments, the initial declaration to NBC News established the controversial political entity. The ambiguity and conflicting statements are often seen as a deliberate political strategy to keep his base engaged and to challenge established constitutional norms.

The Ironclad Barrier: The 22nd Amendment and Presidential Eligibility

The notion of a third term for Donald Trump is, from a purely legal and constitutional standpoint, an impossibility under current U.S. law. The barrier is the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951. The amendment states that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. This constitutional provision was a direct response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to four terms, breaking the long-standing two-term tradition established by George Washington.

The Legal Reality: No 'Methods' or 'Loopholes' Exist

When Trump told NBC News that "there are methods" for seeking a third term, he was referring to a constitutional loophole that legal experts insist does not exist. * Constitutional Amendment: The only way for Trump, or any former two-term President, to legally seek a third term would be through the repeal of the 22nd Amendment. This process would require a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures. Given the current political climate and the bipartisan support for the term limit, this is considered a near-zero possibility. * Supreme Court Precedent: There is no legal precedent or constitutional provision that would allow a President who has already been elected twice to serve again, even through claims of a national emergency or other extraordinary circumstances. * Serving as Vice President: Some have speculated about a scenario where he runs for Vice President. While the 22nd Amendment does not explicitly prohibit a former two-term President from serving as Vice President, the 12th Amendment's eligibility requirements and subsequent legal interpretations generally block a two-term former President from ascending to the presidency again, even from the Vice Presidential role.

Political Strategy vs. Constitutional Crisis: Decoding the Rhetoric

If the legal reality is so clear, why does Donald Trump, and his allies like Steve Bannon, continue to push the "third term" narrative, especially on platforms like NBC News? Political analysts suggest the rhetoric is a deliberate and effective political strategy, rather than a genuine constitutional proposal.

1. Challenging Institutional Norms

The claim is a powerful tool for challenging the established political order and institutional norms. By questioning the 22nd Amendment, Trump signals to his base that he is willing to fight against the "establishment" and traditional constraints on executive power. This narrative fuels the idea that he is a unique figure whose political mandate transcends normal constitutional limitations. The focus shifts from the law to his personal power and popularity.

2. Generating Media Attention and Topical Authority

An explosive claim like seeking a third term is guaranteed to dominate the news cycle. The comments to NBC News ensured maximum exposure, forcing major news organizations—including CBS News, The Guardian, and Forbes—to dedicate significant coverage to fact-checking the claim. This constant media presence helps maintain his topical authority and keeps him at the center of the national political conversation, overshadowing other presidential contenders.

3. Testing the Limits of Presidential Power

The "third term" talk is also a way to test the political boundaries of the presidency and the willingness of the public and political opponents to accept a challenge to the U.S. Constitution. It is a form of political signaling, suggesting that if he were to return to the White House, he would be prepared to exercise executive power with minimal constraint. This appeals to voters who believe the President should have a stronger, more decisive role in government.

4. The Legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)

By invoking the idea of a third term, Trump implicitly compares himself to Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of the most consequential figures in American history. FDR’s four terms were a response to the Great Depression and World War II. While the 22nd Amendment was created to prevent such an occurrence again, the comparison taps into a historical narrative of a leader deemed necessary to save the country during a crisis.

The Broader Implications of the 'Third Term' Debate

The discussions sparked by the NBC interview extend far beyond the legal eligibility of one individual. They touch on fundamental principles of American governance. The fact-checking of Trump's claims, such as those conducted by FactCheck.org, consistently confirms the constitutional barrier. However, the persistence of the rhetoric highlights a growing concern about political figures who prioritize political messaging over constitutional fidelity. The debate serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of the 22nd Amendment as a safeguard against the concentration of power in a single individual. It reinforces the principle that the President is not above the U.S. Constitution and that the rule of law, not political popularity, determines presidential eligibility. The controversy surrounding the "third term" is less about a legal possibility and more about a political movement's willingness to challenge the foundational documents of the American republic. The comments made to Kristen Welker and NBC News will therefore be remembered as a key moment in the ongoing national discussion about democracy, term limits, and the future of the American presidency.