Last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference was a “Trumpalooza” love fest celebrating the 47th president. In addition to the on-stage theatrics of Elon Musk wielding a chainsaw, and Steve Bannon’s supposed Nazi salute, there was a high-profile worrisome debut of the Third Term Project.
Shane Trejo, its leader, has said he is “pushing support in the grassroots…for Trump to get a rightful third term. We believe that he was robbed in 2020 of a term that he should have served.”
The mission of Third Term Project is to support a proposed constitutional amendment introduced three days after Trump’s inauguration by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.). Ogles wants to create an exception in the 22nd Amendment that would allow Trump to serve a third term. For all intents and purposes, it is a purely Trump-specific proposal, applying only to presidents who have served two non-consecutive terms.
The Third Term Project’s CPAC debut was comical and historically ironic. Its banners displayed a profile bust of President Trump in classic ancient Roman style, mimicking an iconic sculpture of Julius Caesar, the general and politician who forced his way into the position of “dictator for life” before his political rivals assassinated him this month 2,069 years ago.
Fast-forward to December 2023, when then-former President Trump vowed, if elected, not to be a dictator “except for day one.” Then, after winning the popular vote by a mere 1.5 percentage points and the Electoral College by a more convincing 312 to 226 votes, Trump seems to believe he has an overwhelming mandate to rule with an iron fist and usher in “America’s Golden Age.”
Starting on Inauguration Day, Trump has not stopped strategically expanding presidential powers. He appears to take great pride in attempting to overturn the constitutionally mandated separation and balance of federal powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The Founders specifically instituted co-equal branches to guard against an all-powerful, despotic ruler like the one from whom they had declared independence. With Trump keen on testing this delicate power balance, the Supreme Court continues to issue rulings with foundational consequences and checks on executive power with which Trump must comply.
That points us back to the 22nd Amendment that Ogles dreams of modifying so that Trump can legally run again in 2028.
There is a zero chance that it will pass the House and Senate with the required two-thirds majorities, let alone be ratified by three-fourths of the states. But that won’t stop Trump the showman from teasing his adoring loyal followers about a third term. In February, at a White House event celebrating Black History Month, Trump asked the friendly gathering, “Should I run again? You tell me.” Then added, “There’s your controversy right there,” followed by chants of “four more years.”
Earlier, one week into his second term, Trump wasted no time posing the reelection question to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) during a Republican retreat at Trump’s Doral golf resort. Provocatively, the president said, “I think I’m not allowed to run again, I’m not sure. Am I allowed to run again, Mike? I better not get you involved in that.”
But count on Trump to involve himself, because third-term-tease-talk supports a Machiavellian strategy, boosting what appears to be his insatiable quest for expanded power. Given the political reality that Trump is a time-limited lame duck, the prospect of a third term helps downplay the inevitable January 2029 expiration date on his political career, all the while continuing to rule through fear, demanding absolute loyalty among friends and foes.
Trump could use the prospect of a third term for as long as possible, to rally support for his policies and “finish the job” — the slogan of the Third Term Project. But after the 2026 midterm elections, regardless of the outcome, lame duck status kicks in, and the 2028 open-seat presidential race begins. So, how will Trump act?
If he remains healthy and popular with at least 45 percent of voters, will he dare to run again at age 82? Will he test the 22nd Amendment using the dubious non-consecutive term argument promoted by MAGA influencer Steve Bannon? During Bannon’s recent CPAC speech, he did again advocate for a Trump 2028 run.
Third-term talk keeps 2028 Republican wannabes off-balance, so that Trump remains more powerful. Most notably, it helps Trump exercise control over Vice President JD Vance, his natural successor, who appears increasingly ambitious, outspoken and high-profile.
Furthermore, at any time, Trump can engage in political theater, showing off by asking the “run again” question, knowing a friendly crowd will chant “four more years!” — music to his ears. Headlines will follow. Perception is reality — the people “demand” another term. Trump’s act could leave all the 2028 presidential contenders in the dust.
Since Trump loves generating controversy that guarantees headlines, an illegal third term — or at least ambiguity about one — fits the bill. He has perfected the art of repeating lies or advocating outrageous policy and personnel appointments until they are “normalized” with MAGA media amplification across all platforms. Will he “normalize” a 2028 presidential run?
In that case, Democrats and disgruntled Republicans should remind voters that it was the 1947 Republican controlled House and Senate that passed the 22nd Amendment’s very clear limitation: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Then, it took until 1951 to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. The amendment was the Republican response to Democrat President Franklin Roosevelt winning four elections from 1932 to 1944.
Post-war Republicans acted to curb presidential power through term limits. Now, Rep. Ogles and the Third Term Project’s banners scream, “For Trump 2028 …And Beyond!”
Remember that Franklin Roosevelt’s four presidential victories resulted from fighting the Great Depression, followed by his leadership during the Second World War.
Conversely, Americans should pray that Trump’s aggressive actions and policies will not unwittingly spark another depression or war with China.
Myra Adams is an opinion writer who served on the creative team of two Republican presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.
