Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow former President Donald Trump to serve a third term in the White House.
The proposal comes as Trump remains a central figure in American politics following his victory in the 2024 presidential election. Ogles introduced the amendment on Thursday, which seeks to revise the long-standing 22nd Amendment that limits presidents to two terms.
The proposed text reads: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
In a statement accompanying the proposal, Ogles praised Trump’s leadership, contrasting it with what he described as the “chaos, suffering, and economic decline” of the past four years under the Biden administration
President Trump’s decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the challenges
Americans have endured,” Ogles said. “He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness.”
This development follows Trump’s earlier remarks about a potential third term, which he made in a joking manner to House GOP lawmakers. Speaking at a meeting in Washington after his 2024 victory, Trump quipped, “I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you do something… unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we have to just figure it out.’”
Though Trump’s comments were dismissed as humor by lawmakers at the time, with Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) noting, “That was a joke. It was clearly a joke,” Ogles’ proposal underscores the growing debate among some Republican lawmakers about extending Trump’s influence beyond a second term.
The proposed amendment faces significant hurdles. Amending the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures.
Despite the long odds, Ogles expressed confidence in Trump’s leadership and praised his swift actions since returning to office, including executive orders addressing immigration, energy production, and international organizations.
“In just a few short days, President Trump has already taken action to undo the catastrophic policies of the Biden Administration,” Ogles said. “He has put the United States back on the path to strength and prosperity.
Trump himself has previously stated he has no intention of pursuing a third term, telling Time magazine last year, “I wouldn’t be in favor of a challenge. Not for me. I intend to serve four years and do a great job.”
As the nation reacts to Ogles’ proposal, it remains unclear whether it will gain traction within the Republican Party or the broader electorate. Critics argue the amendment challenges the principles of presidential term limits, which were enacted in 1951 to prevent excessive consolidation of power