President Donald Trump sparked renewed concerns about his commitment to democratic norms during a small business summit on Monday, when he made a startling prediction about his tenure in the White House.
Trump's Remark on Leaving Office
Speaking about small business tax deductions, Trump said, "And this way, when I get out of office, in, let's say, eight or nine years from now, I'll be able to use it myself." The comment implies he expects to remain in power beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit.
Trump has frequently floated the idea of seeking a third term. In 2025, he told NBC News he was not "joking" about the prospect, noting that "a lot of people want me to do it." Later that year, he told reporters on Air Force One, "I'm not looking at that. But I'll tell you, I have had more people ask me to have a third term, which in a way is a fourth term because the other election, the 2020 election, was totally rigged, so it's actually sort of a fourth term."
Reactions from Critics
While many Trump supporters dismiss such statements as jokes, critics argue the public should take the president at his word. California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) warned last year, "I fear that we will not have an election in 2028. I really mean that in the core of my soul, unless we wake up to the code red, what's happening in this country, and we wake up soberly to how serious this moment is."
Trump has even had "Trump 2028" merchandise made and prominently features it in his official Trump store. Social media users were quick to criticize the president's latest suggestion. Joyce Alene tweeted, "This is how he started with the whole 'if I lose the election is fraudulent' shtick. If we don't listen to this, shame on us. That man isn't building a ballroom for the next guy." Hemant Mehta wrote, "Hahaha it's funny because he hates the Constitution." Wajahat Ali said, "He's not leaving peacefully or legally, folks. Take him literally and seriously."
Others expressed alarm: "No bitch you will leave when the time is up," tweeted one user. Jennifer Erin Valent wrote, "'He's just joking,' they'll say. Folks, no president should be making jokes about this, but one who attempted to steal an election most definitely shouldn't. And no American should find it amusing. No matter the tone, it's a threat to our Constitutional order."
Andrew, another user, noted, "Mortality aside, he keeps making it clear he never plans on leaving. And that he will never leave peacefully or voluntarily. This is why his judicial picks all refuse to say that he isn't eligible to run for a third term despite the plain language of the 22nd Amendment." James Tate asked, "Serious question, but do we even have a constitution anymore?"
Implications for Democracy
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly limits a president to two terms. Trump's repeated suggestions of staying beyond that have raised alarms about the stability of American democratic institutions. As the 2028 election approaches, many are watching closely to see if Trump will attempt to challenge the constitutional order.
