A question on the minds of many Americans is whether President Donald Trump could theoretically run again in 2028. As a former president seeking a non-consecutive second term, Trump has already stirred significant discussion about term limits and eligibility. But what does the U.S. Constitution say about a potential 2028 run?
Article Content
Presidential Term Limits: The Basics
The rules governing how many terms a president can serve are outlined in the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Ratified in 1951, this amendment was established after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency, setting clear boundaries on how long any individual could hold the highest office in the land. Here’s what it says:
“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 the President more than once.”
In simpler terms, this amendment restricts a person to a maximum of two terms as president, regardless of whether those terms are consecutive or non-consecutive.
Can Trump Run Again in 2028?
As things stand, the answer is no. Winning the 2024 elections means that he would be barred from running in 2028 because he would have already served two full terms: his initial term from 2017 to 2021 and the potential term from 2025 to 2029.
However, if Trump had lost the 2024 election, he would technically still be eligible for another run in 2028. This is because he would only have served one term, leaving him constitutionally eligible for one more.
Why the 22nd Amendment Matters
The 22nd Amendment was designed to prevent any single person from holding presidential power for too long, in keeping with the USA Founding Fathers’ vision of a government that guards against the accumulation of power in any one branch. Before the amendment’s passage, presidential term limits were more of a tradition than a rule, set by George Washington when he voluntarily left office after two terms. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s extended presidency during a time of national crisis led Congress to formalize these limits.
The amendment’s language clearly specifies a two-term maximum for all presidents, whether those terms are served consecutively or not.
Could the 22nd Amendment Ever Be Changed?
While constitutional amendments are challenging to pass, they are technically possible. A change would require two-thirds approval from both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-quarters of the states. Although this is not an easy process, the idea of removing or altering the 22nd Amendment has occasionally been proposed, most often in the form of bills introduced by members of Congress. However, these proposals rarely gain traction, as there is strong bipartisan support for term limits.
Non-Consecutive Terms: Trump Isn’t the First
Trump’s 2024 candidacy as a former president aiming for a second, non-consecutive term is unusual in modern times but not unprecedented. Grover Cleveland served as both the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, holding office from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897 after losing his re-election bid in 1888. Cleveland’s unique two-term presidency demonstrates that non-consecutive terms are indeed possible, which Trump is seeking to replicate with his 2024 campaign.
The Urban Woman Magazine Editorial Team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things urban. We strive to create fresh, original content that appeals to the modern woman. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to share their stories, experiences and opinions on various issues affecting their lives.