Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) sidestepped giving a straight answer on Monday when asked if President Donald Trump is eligible to run for a third term in the White House. When one reporter pressed, “Do you believe Trump can seek a third term?” Graham simply replied, “Ask me in ’27,” and walked away from the question.
This brief exchange comes amid ongoing controversy over whether Trump may seek a second term as president. Even though the U.S. Constitution limits a president to two terms, Trump has continued to make comments that imply that there could be a way he can seek a third term.
In a recent interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump made some of his most detailed comments to date on the subject, stating, “A lot of people want me to do it.” He further suggested that “there are a lot of things that could happen” in the future, although he insisted, “I’m not joking.”
Trump’s comments in his third term have caused widespread discussion, particularly after his St. Patrick’s Day speech. During his meeting with the Irish prime minister, Trump jokingly announced that he would have fun celebrating with him “at least” three more times, again fanning speculation for a possible third term. The comments made at the meeting were greeted with a chuckle, and the media was quick to pick up on them, quoting the comment as another sign of his running for a third term.
Despite the constitutional restrictions imposed, some of Trump’s supporters have taken him seriously. One of them, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), even went to the extent of suggesting an amendment to the Constitution in January to provide Trump with another term. Ogles argued that Trump was the only one who could make America great and he needed more time to do the same.
But most political analysts believe Trump’s comments may be a tactic to provoke reactions from Democrats and the media. Others are claiming that talk about a potential third term should not be considered seriously and instead dismissed as political theater.
As Trump’s comments remain in the spotlight, his political controversy is far from over.
