Trump Jokes of Third Term as Crowd Erupts Into ‘4 More Years’ Chant

President Donald Trump joked about a potential third term during a Black History Month reception on Thursday at the White House.

Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.

Why It Matters

This is not a new notion for the president, as Trump has made similar comments in the past. But a U.S. president cannot be elected for more than two terms, as stated in the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once,” the amendment reads.

What To Know

While speaking to the crowd, Trump said while laughing, “Should I run again? You tell me. There’s your controversy right there.” The crowd then began shouting, “Four more years! Four more years!” Eventually Trump waved off the crowd and said, “You’re going to see that tonight … on television.”

Republican Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles has floated a bill to amend the Constitution to allow Trump to run for a third term. Ogles acknowledged that the bill faces an uphill battle, but it is “very important” for the country’s future, he says.

What People Are Saying

Political analyst Craig Agranoff told Newsweek via text on Thursday: “Trump has always used bold statements and unpredictability as part of his political brand, and hinting at a third run fits that pattern. Whether he’s serious or simply rallying his base, the impact is the same…it keeps him in the spotlight, energizes his supporters, and forces both allies and opponents to respond. Given his history, it’s difficult to say with certainty whether this is a genuine intention or a strategic move, but it certainly keeps the conversation centered on him.”

The Republicans Against Trump account posted to X on Thursday: “Donald Trump: ‘Should I run again? You tell me. There’s your controversy right there.’ (This is at least the fourth time since the election that Trump has publicly floated the unconstitutional idea of a third term.)”

The American AF account posted to X on Thursday: “Donald Trump hints at serving a THIRD presidential term…Here come the liberal tears. 🤣🤣”

Congressman Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat, last month in an emailed statement to Newsweek in regards to Ogles’ bill: “By now, Donald Trump’s pattern is predictable: ‘joke’ about something unconstitutional or authoritarian; normalize the ‘joke’; allow sycophantic Republicans to adopt the ‘joke’ as a serious idea until it becomes MAGA orthodoxy.”

“Rep. Ogles has followed the playbook perfectly by proposing a constitutional amendment to allow Trump to serve a third term. While I’m grateful that he acknowledges that a third term would require a constitutional amendment, nothing Donald Trump says or does is funny,” Goldman said.

What Happens Next

Trump’s second term is underway as he settles into his first 100 days in office.