What's happened
Despite legal barriers, Donald Trump continues to float the idea of a third presidential term, supported by some allies and legal speculation. His former lawyer Alan Dershowitz has drafted a book exploring constitutional loopholes, while Trump and supporters hint at possible legal routes, despite official denials.
What's behind the headline?
The resurgence of third-term talk highlights a strategic use of legal ambiguity and political symbolism. Dershowitz’s draft book, which explores potential legal loopholes, signals an attempt to challenge constitutional norms, even if Trump publicly dismisses the idea. The support from figures like Miriam Adelson, who pledged millions and cheered the possibility, underscores the influence of wealthy donors in shaping this narrative. Trump's continued teasing, despite official denials, suggests a calculated effort to keep his base engaged and to test the boundaries of constitutional law. This story exposes the underlying tension between legal constraints and political ambitions, with potential implications for future elections and constitutional stability. The scenario of a third term, while legally dubious, could serve as a rallying point for his supporters and a distraction from ongoing political issues, potentially destabilizing established norms and prompting legal challenges.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Dershowitz handed Trump a draft of his book, which explores constitutional scenarios for a third term, and notes Trump's continued teasing of the idea despite legal barriers. The Wall Street Journal highlights Dershowitz's legal theories and the support from billionaire Miriam Adelson, who expressed enthusiasm for the possibility. The Times of Israel emphasizes the constitutional concerns and the alarm among opponents, citing Dershowitz's view that the issue is not clear-cut. The NY Post details Adelson's support and her conversation with Dershowitz, illustrating the influence of wealthy donors. Overall, these sources reveal a complex interplay of legal speculation, political strategy, and financial backing, with Trump’s supporters pushing the narrative that he could potentially circumvent constitutional limits, even as official statements deny any intention to pursue a third term.
How we got here
Trump has repeatedly suggested the possibility of running for a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment which limits presidents to two terms. His supporters have kept the idea alive, with some backing from legal figures like Dershowitz, who has drafted a book examining constitutional questions. Trump’s ongoing teasing of a third run has kept this issue in the public eye, even as officials and allies insist he cannot legally do so.
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Common question
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The idea of Donald Trump running for a third presidential term has sparked widespread debate. Despite the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms, Trump and some supporters are exploring legal and constitutional arguments that could challenge this rule. This page explores whether a third Trump term is legally possible, the arguments for and against, and the potential political fallout of these rumors. Keep reading to understand the complex legal, political, and financial factors involved in this controversial topic.
More on these topics
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Alan Morton Dershowitz is an American lawyer and legal scholar known for his scholarship of U.S. constitutional law and American criminal law, and a noted advocate of civil liberties.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Miriam Adelson (née Farbstein; born October 10, 1945) is an Israeli-American physician, businesswoman, philanthropist, and conservative political donor. She was married to Sheldon Adelson until his death in 2021.
As of October 2025, estimates placed her.
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Susan Summerall Wiles is an American political consultant who served as co-chair of Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign, having previously worked on his 2016 campaign, as well as Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign.