Trump casts doubt on the Constitution, flatly denies the prospect of a third term.
Washington Whispers - In an off-the-cuff interview, Donald Trump raised eyebrows with a puzzling statement, implying he might not be a staunch advocate of the Constitution, the cornerstone of US law.
"I don't really give a hoot about that piece of parchment," Trump quipped when asked by NBC if he'd show the Constitution some respect. The US president further added, "I've got a gang of smart-ass lawyers, and they'll do whatever them justices say, anyhow."
Since taking office in January, Trump's been flexing his Presidential muscles like never before, bashing his way through executive orders, changing immigration policies, and dismantling diversity programs. Yet, even the brawniest of Presidents has limits, and Trump's moves often run foul of the judiciary.
Federal courts and appeals courts have repeatedly put a damper on some of Trump's grand plans, such as his attempts to use a little-known, wartime-era law on "enemy aliens" to deport suspected gang members without due process. This move has been slammed by human rights groups and international organizations alike.
During the interview, Trump was asked if visitors on US soil deserved fair trials under the law. His response? "I'm no legal eagle. Can't say for sure."
A President with an Authoritarian Appeal
Some Americans have raised the alarm over Trump's strongman tendencies. "You're steering the country towards dictatorship, mate?" the interviewer pressed. "Well, Hell no!" Trump shot back. "Look, I've got plenty of folks just itching to come to this country, and they love Trump! I've won those elections, y'know."
He went on to say that people should be free to express their dissent without fear of reprisal and that he regarded his critics as "sorry, spiteful folk."
Trump also took time to revive his long-running feud with Joe Biden, blaming the former President for the country's economic woes and claiming credit for the economy's strengths.
However, Trump seemed to put a pin in rumors of a third term, stating, "That ain't what I'm gunning for." Despite previous hints about constitutional loopholes and "methods," Trump now insists he'd be content with merely being an eight-year President, a two-term President - period.
Asked about his preferred successor, Trump pointed to Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but he was quick to add, "Ain't time to pick favorites just yet."
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Trump: A Three-Term Trump Unlikely
Contrary to past whispers, Trump has recently stated that he does not plan to seek a third term. In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump made it clear, "I’m gonna be an eight-year President, I’ll be a two-term President. I always thought that was essential." This move puts a definite end to speculation about Trump exploiting loopholes or succession to extend his tenure[1][2].
Constitutional Implications
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly bars anyone from being elected President more than twice. This amendment was introduced in response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms and was ratified in 1951. Therefore, seeking a third term would require a constitutional amendment - a feat that would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, as well as ratification by three-quarters of the states, making it practically impossible[1][2].
Public opinion also plays a significant role, as a majority of Americans oppose the idea of Trump serving a third term. A recent poll indicates that even if Trump were to pursue a third term, there'd be strong opposition among the people[3]. In short, Trump's decision not to run for a third term aligns with the constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment. Any attempt to bypass these limits would face several legal and public hurdles.
- Donald Trump, in a recent interview, declared that he intends to be an eight-year President, limiting his career to two terms, thus refuting previous speculations of him seeking a third term.
- The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, prohibits anyone from being elected President more than twice, making a third term for Trump difficult to achieve without a constitutional amendment.
- Seeking a third term would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states, a feat that seems practically impossible, given current public opposition to the idea of Trump serving a third term.
- A recent poll suggested that even if Trump were to pursue a third term, there would be strong opposition from the public.
- In the realm of politics and general news, the question of Trump's potential third term has been a topic of discussion, with many considering the constitutional implications and public sentiments.
- Meanwhile, in the world of sports and sports betting, the political landscape seems to have little impact, with games and events unfolding as usual, respectively.
