Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, has introduced a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution, seeking to allow President Donald Trump to serve a third term in office. This unprecedented proposal, coming just days into Mr. Trump’s second term, aims to alter the 22nd Amendment, which currently limits presidents to two terms. The move highlights the unwavering loyalty of Trump’s supporters and the determination of some Republicans to extend his leadership.
A Republican House member introduced a resolution Thursday to amend the U.S. Constitution in order to allow President Donald Trump — and any other future president — to be elected to a third term in the White House.
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The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states, “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” It was enacted following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency to prevent future presidents from holding extended power. However, Rep. Ogles argues that Mr. Trump deserves an exception, stating, “He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness.”
The resolution is designed to apply only to individuals who did not serve two consecutive terms, effectively limiting its scope to Donald Trump while excluding former presidents like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. This specificity has fueled criticism from Democrats and legal experts, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent by tailoring constitutional amendments to a single individual.
Amending the U.S. Constitution is an arduous process requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures. Given the current political landscape, Ogles’ resolution faces significant obstacles. Democrats, already opposed to Trump’s policies, are unlikely to support any measure that would extend his presidency. Last year, Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, introduced legislation to reinforce the 22nd Amendment and prevent Trump from serving beyond two terms.
Despite the steep odds, the proposal has energized Trump’s base, who view it as a way to secure the progress made under his leadership. Mr. Trump himself has previously joked about serving a third term, once telling House Republicans, “I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out.’”
While the resolution is unlikely to pass, it reflects the deep influence of Trumpism on the Republican Party and ongoing debates about presidential term limits. Critics warn that altering the 22nd Amendment for a single individual undermines the principles of democracy and checks on executive power, while supporters argue it is a necessary measure to address the nation’s challenges under Trump’s leadership.
Rep. Andy Ogles’ proposal symbolizes the enduring loyalty of Trump’s supporters and their desire to see him remain a central figure in American politics. Whether the resolution gains traction or fades into political obscurity, it highlights the continued debates surrounding Trump’s legacy and the future of presidential governance.