Trump Joked About a Third Term—But he Wasn’t Actually Joking
On This Day In 2019
When Trump says something outlandish—especially when he claims he’s joking—it’s important to recognize his actual intent.
“We are going to win four more years,” he claimed at a rally in Wisconsin OTDI 2020. “And then after that, we’ll go for another four years because they spied on my campaign. We should get a redo of four years.” Why should Trump care that the Constitution forbids third terms and that the FBI has rejected his spying claims?
During his presidency, Trump “joked” about seeking a third term at least half a dozen times, seeing them as a chance to float trial balloons about the topic. He even praised Chinese President Xi for essentially installing himself as leader for life. By presenting it here in this way, though, he can make it sound as if three terms is no big deal.
Let's not forget: Trump has made it known that "I don't joke."
2024 update: He’s still been at it this year. And now, even conservative publications are batting around ideas about how to overcome the constitution if Trump wants to go for his third term in ’28.
Get Weirder; Dive Deeper
C-SPAN video of Trump’s remarks in Oshkosh, WI
The brilliant Chris Cillizza wrote about Trump’s ambitions for a third term