Flirting With a Third Term? Harvard Proffie Larry Lessig Thinks It Could Happen - Here's Why
A scholarly figure at Harvard University considers a third term for President Trump as a feasible possibility.
Take a seat, folks! Let's discuss the hot topic of Trump's potential third term in the White House - a topic that's been buzzing lately. Harvard Professor Larry Lessig, a renowned constitutional scholar, sheds some light on this intriguing scenario.
In a candid interview, Lessig suggested that Trump might just charm his way around the U.S. Constitution's eight-year limit. While the Constitution clearly states no more than two terms, Trump could exploit an interesting loop-hole. Here's how - he could run for vice president after his stint as president (thanks to the 12th Amendment), then take over when the current president steps down, effectively getting his third term. Sounds a bit like Russia's President Putin, doesn't it?
Trump, in true style, has already started selling hats emblazoned with "Trump 2028," fueling speculation. But there's one hurdle - Trump's age. According to Lessig, Trump's mortality might just be the only thing preventing a third term.
Trump, of course, seems confident about public support for a third term. "Many people want that," he told NBC. But he admitted, "We still have a long way to go, it's still very early in the administration." The 22nd Amendment, passed in 1951, limits presidents to two terms. However, Trump has suggested multiple times in recent months that he'd like to extend his stay in office.
The discussion around Trump's third term has raised concerns among Democratic opponents, who fear he might try to circumvent the Constitution to hold power longer.
Interestingly, during his campaign, Trump himself was unsure about his eligibility for a third term. He even hinted that he wouldn't run again if asked by certain influential figures - "unless you tell me: He's so good, we have to find a way."
So, is a third term for Trump likely? Well, as of now, it's just a wild card theory, considering the legal constraints. But Trump seems to be laying the groundwork, one hat sales at a time. Stay tuned for more updates on this juicy political drama!
- Donald Trump
- USA
- Elections
Enrichment Data:Based on the search results, there are no specific arguments from Harvard Professor Larry Lessig regarding a potential third term for Donald Trump. However, the documents outline legal and political debates:
Constitutional Constraints
The 22nd Amendment explicitly bars presidents from being elected more than twice[2][3]. No credible legal pathway exists for a third term under current constitutional law[2].
Hypothetical Loopholes
The search results suggest two speculative scenarios discussed broadly (not by Lessig):1. VP Resignation Gambit: A running mate (e.g., JD Vance) could win the presidency, resign, and allow Trump to assume power as VP-turned-president[2]. However, the 22nd Amendment still prohibits election to a third term, making this legally dubious.2. Amendment Repeal: The 22nd Amendment could technically be repealed via a two-thirds congressional vote and state ratification[3], though this is politically implausible.
Public and Legal Sentiment
- Opposition: 60% of Republicans and 70% of white evangelicals oppose a third term[1].
- Legal Consensus: Experts dismiss third-term efforts as unconstitutional, with Jeremy Paul of Northeastern University stating there are “no credible legal arguments”[2].
Since Professor Lessig’s views are not cited here, any theoretical proposals involving his constitutional scholarship would likely involve broader reforms, but this remains speculative without direct evidence. Current discussionsfocus on the strict limits of the 22nd Amendment[2][3].
- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the situation in the country, where a President might exploit a loophole in the Constitution to potentially seek a third term.
- In the United States, the mortality of a President could limit his ability to pursue a third term, as was suggested by the Harvard constitutional scholar Larry Lessig.
- While there are no specific arguments from Professor Larry Lessig regarding a third term for Donald Trump, he has discussed the concept of presidential third terms in a broader context, raising questions about the limits of whatsapp and politics in war-and-conflicts situations.
- General news outlets have reported on speculative scenarios like the VP Resignation Gambit and the potential repeal of the 22nd Amendment, but these ideas remain politically implausible and have not garnered widespread support, even among the President's base of white evangelicals and Republican voters.
