Kathrine Frich
Speculation about Donald Trump seeking a third term has surfaced repeatedly over the last year.
It has been driven by offhand remarks, legal debates and political theatre.
While the US Constitution sets clear limits, the former president’s comments have continued to fuel rumours about whether he might try to test them.
That debate resurfaced this week during an unusual moment at a White House ceremony.
A donor on stage
Donald Trump invited one of his most prominent political donors onto the stage during the White House’s annual Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony on Tuesday.
Addressing the audience, Trump praised Israeli-American philanthropist Miriam Adelson and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, for their longstanding support.
“Miriam Adelson, do you want to come up here Miriam? Come up here Miriam,” Trump said as he called her forward.
Trump told the crowd that Adelson had contributed $250 million to his 2024 presidential campaign, both directly and indirectly.
“When somebody can give you $250 million I think we should give her the opportunity to say hello,” he said, prompting applause as she approached the podium.
Third-term suggestion
Once on stage, Adelson said she had recently spoken with constitutional lawyer Alan Dershowitz about the question of whether Trump could legally serve another four years in office.
“Now, I met Alan Dershowitz and he said the legal thing about four more years, and I said ‘Alan, I agree with you, so we can do it,’” she said. “Think about it.”
Adelson then whispered something to Trump.
He leaned into the microphone and told the audience that she had urged him to consider it and added: “I’ll give you another $250 million.”
Legal barriers
Trump has previously hinted at possible “loopholes” that could allow him to return to office beyond the two-term limit set out in the 22nd Amendment.
He has not, however, outlined how such a path would work in practice.
In October, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether he might run as vice president as a way back to the White House.
He initially said he would be allowed to do so, before ruling it out.
“I would rule that out because it’s too cute,” Trump said. “I think the people wouldn’t like that.”
Legal scholars note that the 12th Amendment bars anyone who is ineligible to be president from serving as vice president.
Sources: Bloomberg, Unilad.
