A Republican House representative, Andy Ogles, has proposed a resolution to amend the United States Constitution to permit President Donald Trump and future presidents to serve a third term.
This initiative, aimed at revising the 22nd Amendment, has sparked debate across political lines.
In his statement, Ogles justified the move, emphasizing Trump’s leadership. “He is dedicated to restoring the republic and saving our country, and we, as legislators and states, must do everything in our power to support him,” Ogles said.
The resolution seeks to modify the current constitutional limit, which states, “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice,” by allowing a third term.
Ogles’ announcement came days after Trump began his second non-consecutive term as president, following his victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections. The proposal also follows an earlier resolution introduced by Democratic Representative Dan Goldman, which reaffirmed the existing two-term limit under the 22nd Amendment.
For the amendment to be enacted, it must secure a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and subsequently be ratified by at least 38 states. Given the Republicans’ slim majorities in Congress, the resolution faces an uphill battle, with minimal Democratic support anticipated.
The 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951 to prevent a repeat of Franklin Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms in office. Since its adoption, no president has served more than two terms. Trump’s willingness to explore a third term has been a recurring theme in his speeches, and Ogles’ proposal underscores the growing support among his allies to challenge historical precedents.
Critics have highlighted alternative pathways for Trump to retain influence beyond the current term limit. Constitutional experts, like Professor Philip Klinkner, have noted that the 22nd Amendment prohibits being “elected” more than twice but does not rule out scenarios like serving as vice president or acting president under specific circumstances.
Despite the political and legal hurdles, Ogles believes the amendment is critical for sustaining Trump’s leadership. “This resolution would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs,” he said.
While the resolution is unlikely to gain the required support in the current political climate, it has reignited discussions about presidential term limits and the future of American democracy.
