Steve Bannon’s remarks at the New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala have reignited a provocative discussion about presidential term limits and Donald Trump’s political future.
The former White House chief strategist hinted at the possibility of Trump seeking a third term, despite the constitutional barrier posed by the 22nd Amendment. Bannon, a staunch Trump ally and host of the War Room podcast, pointed to the amendment’s lack of clarity on whether the two-term limit must be consecutive.
In his speech, Bannon claimed Trump would secure a second term in 2024 and left open the possibility of a future bid in 2028. Referring to Republican lawyer Mike Davis’s interpretation, Bannon joked about testing the limits of the Constitution. “Are you guys down for that? Trump ’28?” he asked the audience, blending humor with a provocative undertone.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, restricts individuals to two presidential terms, largely in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency. While the language is clear about limiting terms, some have debated its precise application, particularly in non-consecutive scenarios. Historically, Congress and the public have upheld the amendment as a safeguard against the consolidation of power.
Critics of Trump’s potential return to office, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have raised concerns about authoritarianism. Harris recently described Trump as a “fascist” and warned voters of his alleged dictatorial ambitions. These claims echo broader Democratic fears that a second Trump presidency could erode democratic norms.
Interestingly, Trump himself has played into the speculation. At the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting earlier this year, he remarked on FDR’s extended tenure and mused about his own legacy.
While he dismissed the idea of repealing the 22nd Amendment in an April interview, his lighthearted comments to House Republicans about 2028 have kept the conversation alive.
Despite the Constitution’s firm stance, exceptions exist for vice presidents who ascend to the presidency under specific circumstances. However, Trump’s situation would not qualify. Ultimately, whether the former president would seriously consider challenging constitutional norms remains speculative. For now, Trump’s official focus is on his upcoming inauguration in January 2025, signaling the start of his second term.
Bannon, who served as chief strategist for the first seven months of Trump’s initial presidency, has had his own share of controversy, including a prison sentence for contempt of Congress. His comments, however, continue to fuel the political theater surrounding Trump’s future ambitions, ensuring the 22nd Amendment remains a hot topic of debate.
