A Republican congressman, Andy Ogles, has introduced a resolution seeking to amend the US Constitution to allow former President Donald Trump to run for a third term.
The proposal, unveiled on Thursday, aims to revise the 22nd Amendment, which restricts individuals from being elected to the presidency more than twice. The amendment, enacted in 1951, was designed to prevent any leader from consolidating power indefinitely, following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency.
Ogles’ resolution seeks to modify the clause to state: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times.”
In a statement, Ogles lauded Trump’s leadership, describing him as a pivotal figure capable of reversing what he termed the nation’s decline under the Biden administration.
“President Trump has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness,” Ogles said. “It is imperative that we provide him with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the current administration.”
The congressman also praised Trump’s executive orders from his second term, highlighting actions on immigration, energy production, and withdrawing from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Though Trump previously dismissed speculation about seeking a third term, he jokingly hinted at the possibility after his re-election in 2024.
“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘he’s so good, we have to just figure it out,’” Trump had remarked during a discussion with Republican lawmakers.
The 22nd Amendment was introduced following President Roosevelt’s tenure, during which concerns about leaders overstaying their welcome gained traction.
Founding father George Washington had initially set the two-term precedent, warning against long-term presidencies that could lead to dictatorship.
Despite Ogles’ efforts, the proposed constitutional amendment faces an uphill battle. Amending the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, a challenging feat in today’s polarized political climate.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives, but the proposal has already drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and constitutional scholars, who argue that term limits are a safeguard against authoritarianism.
Ogles remains resolute, however, asserting that Trump deserves additional time to accomplish his vision for America.