President Donald Trump expressed interest in a hypothetical electoral contest against former President Barack Obama. On Monday, March 31, Trump mentioned he would “love” the opportunity to face Obama, while also revisiting the idea of pursuing a third presidential term, despite the constitutional restrictions in place.
“I’d love that, boy, I’d love that,” Trump stated when questioned about theoretically competing against Obama. He then shifted focus to the topic of a potential third term, stating, “I never looked into it. They do say there’s a way you can do it, but I don’t know about that.”
These comments were made during the signing of an executive order in the Oval Office, targeting ticket resellers for increased scrutiny regarding their business practices and consumer pricing. Kid Rock, a supporter of Trump, was present at the signing event.
Trump’s remarks mark the second instance within two days where he has discussed bypassing the 22nd Amendment, which bars presidents from being elected more than twice. On Sunday, he informed NBC News that “there are methods” to circumvent the constitutional term limit, asserting his seriousness about the possibility.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” Trump told NBC. Later, aboard Air Force One, he took a more cautious approach, stating, “I don’t want to talk about a third term right now… No matter how you look at it, we got a long time to go.”
In discussions with reporters on Monday, Trump maintained a noncommittal position on running for a third term, acknowledging the uncertainty of its feasibility while asserting that “people are asking me to run.”
Although the notion of a Trump-Obama race remains speculative, both would encounter significant legal barriers. The 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice, without exceptions for presidents like Trump who have served non-consecutive terms.
Legal experts concur that any attempt to bypass the amendment would face formidable challenges. Amending the Constitution demands a two-thirds congressional vote or the backing of two-thirds of state legislatures to propose changes, followed by ratification by three-quarters of the states.
Nonetheless, some Trump supporters have suggested the possibility. Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Trump, has publicly claimed that Trump could win again in 2028, while Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tennessee) introduced a resolution earlier this year proposing an extension of presidential term limits specifically to allow Trump another run.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune downplayed Trump’s remarks, suggesting to reporters that the president is “probably having some fun with it and probably messing with you.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt similarly dismissed the speculation, stating that a third term is “not really something we’re thinking about.”
