The White House has provocatively stated that the United States would be "lucky" if President Donald Trump remained in office for a constitutionally-barred third term. The comments follow revelations that Trump discussed the legal possibility of such a move with the constitutional scholar and his former lawyer, Alan Dershowitz.
A Controversial Endorsement Amid Falling Polls
This bold assertion from the administration comes despite a series of polls showing the President's approval ratings in decline. Public discontent is reportedly fuelled by his administration's economic performance and the lingering controversy over his past associations with the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Defending the position, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Axios, "There has never been an Administration that has accomplished as much in less than one year than the Trump Administration." She added, "The American people would be lucky to have President Trump in office for even longer."
Dershowitz's Constitutional Argument
The remarks were prompted by a report in the Wall Street Journal detailing a meeting between Trump and Dershowitz in the Oval Office. Dershowitz, who defended Trump during his first impeachment, presented the President with a draft copy of his forthcoming book, Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term?
Dershowitz claimed he told Trump the constitution was "not clear" on whether a president could run again, a view that contradicts the widespread interpretation of the 22nd amendment. Most legal experts agree this amendment unambiguously prohibits a two-term president from seeking a third.
According to Dershowitz, Trump found the topic "interesting as an intellectual issue" and planned to read the book. The scholar himself stated he does not believe Trump will actually run for a third term, but his book outlines scenarios where it could become feasible. One such theory involves electoral college electors abstaining, forcing the presidential selection into the House of Representatives.
Mixed Signals and Political Theatre
The prospect of a third term for Trump has been a recurring theme since he returned to the White House for his second term in January 2025. The President has sent conflicting messages, telling journalists in October that the constitution is "pretty clear" he is "not allowed to run," while also repeatedly expressing that he would "love" to do so.
Within his own circle, opinions are divided. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key ally, has said he "doesn't see a path" for another Trump run. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles recently dismissed the idea, suggesting Trump "knows he can't run again" but is "having fun" with the concept because it drives critics "crazy."
Nevertheless, the Trump campaign store has begun selling "Trump 2028" merchandise to supporters, keeping the speculation alive.
The discussion even featured at a White House Hanukkah party. Dershowitz said he showed his book draft to billionaire donor Miriam Adelson, who responded, "Is this real? Oh, my God, I hope this can happen." When brought on stage by Trump, Adelson confirmed the conversation, telling the President, "Think about it," which prompted chants of "four more years" from the crowd.
