By Editorial Team 
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, discussions surrounding Donald Trump’s political future continue to spark debates. A question that occasionally resurfaces is whether Trump—or any former president—could legally serve a third term in office.
The U.S. Constitution explicitly limits a president to two terms. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states:
“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once.”
This means that no U.S. president, including Trump, can serve a third term unless the Constitution itself is amended—a highly unlikely scenario given the political and procedural hurdles involved.
Another speculation is whether Trump could run as a vice president on a ticket with another Republican candidate and later assume the presidency. However, this is also questionable, as the 12th Amendment states that no person ineligible for the presidency can be elected vice president. Since the 22nd Amendment makes Trump ineligible for a third term as president, it could be argued that he cannot hold the vice presidency either.
While Trump cannot run for a third term, he could still wield significant political influence. Many speculate that he might support or endorse a successor who aligns with his policies, effectively shaping the Republican Party’s future direction. Another possibility is that he could continue to influence American politics through media ventures, endorsements, or even leading a movement outside of elected office.
Legally, Donald Trump cannot serve a third term as U.S. president under current constitutional law. While political figures and their influence may extend beyond their presidencies, the two-term limit remains a firm rule in American democracy.