Full Breakdown
Trump and Adelson's Third Term Speculation: A Constitutional Debate
12/18/2025, 2:12:42 AM
The Proposal for a Third Term
During a recent Hanukkah reception at the White House, President Donald Trump revealed that billionaire donor Miriam Adelson jokingly offered him $250 million to support a potential run for a third presidential term in 2028. This exchange followed a discussion between Adelson and attorney Alan Dershowitz regarding the legality of such a bid, despite the explicit prohibition of the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidents to two elected terms. Adelson stated, “I met Alan Dershowitz... I said, ‘Alan, I agree with you. So we can do it. Think about it,’” prompting chants of “four more years” from the audience.
Background on the 22nd Amendment
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was established after Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency to limit the number of terms a president can serve. Critics argue that any attempt by Trump to circumvent this amendment would be unconstitutional. Trump himself has previously acknowledged the amendment's restrictions, stating, “If you read it, it’s pretty clear — I’m not allowed to run.”
Key Figures Involved
Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, has been a significant financial supporter of Trump, contributing over $250 million to his campaigns. Alan Dershowitz, a prominent attorney, has been involved in legal discussions surrounding Trump's potential third term, suggesting that there may be ambiguous interpretations of the Constitution that could allow for such a run.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the speculation, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson remarked that "the American people would be lucky to have President Trump in office for even longer." Meanwhile, Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, emphasized in a Vanity Fair interview that Trump “knows he can’t run again,” despite the ongoing discussions and jokes about a third term.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal experts and critics have dismissed the idea of a third term as unworkable under current law. Political science professor Costas Panagopoulos noted that while there may be some technical ambiguity in the constitutional statutes, the intention of the 22nd Amendment is clear: presidential terms should be limited to two. Additionally, polling data indicates that a significant portion of Trump voters are not in favor of him seeking another term, with 45% expressing opposition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump has hinted at the possibility of running again, he has also made statements that suggest he recognizes the constitutional limitations. In October, he stated, “I’m not allowed to run again. It’s too bad,” yet he continues to sell “Trump 2028” merchandise, indicating mixed signals regarding his intentions.
What's Next?
As discussions about a potential third term continue, Trump has suggested that potential successors could include Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The political landscape remains dynamic as the 2028 election approaches, with ongoing debates about the implications of the 22nd Amendment and the future of Trump's political ambitions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I said, Alan, I agree with you. So we can do it. Think about it.” — Miriam Adelson, Billionaire Donor
- “If you read it, it’s pretty clear — I’m not allowed to run.” — Donald Trump, Former President
This ongoing dialogue about Trump's potential third term raises significant questions about constitutional interpretation and the future of American political norms.
