Andy Ogles' 22nd Amendment Proposal Could Donald Trump Serve a 3rd Term

 

Published Jan 24, 2025 at 7:40 AM EST

Here’s a revised version of the text for clarity and conciseness:

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Tennessee Representative Proposes Constitutional Amendment for Trump Third Term

Republican Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee has introduced a proposal to amend the Constitution, allowing former President Donald Trump to serve a third term. The move is unlikely to succeed, as it would require significant bipartisan support.

Background on the Proposal
Ogles introduced a House joint resolution to alter the 22nd Amendment, which currently limits presidents to two terms. The proposed amendment would permit a president to serve three terms but prohibit additional terms after two consecutive ones. Notably, this would exclude former two-term presidents like Barack Obama and George W. Bush from eligibility.

Ogles justified his proposal, stating Trump is the only modern leader capable of reversing America’s "decline" and restoring its "greatness."

Hurdles to Amendment Approval
Amending the Constitution is an arduous process, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from 38 of the 50 states. Given the current political climate, this proposal is highly unlikely to advance.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms between 1933 and 1945. It was designed to prevent potential abuses of power by limiting presidential terms.

Reactions to the Proposal

• Democrats’ Perspective
  Democratic lawmakers have criticized the proposal. Representative Dan Goldman called it part of Trump’s pattern of normalizing authoritarian ideas. Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee remarked, “Two terms is enough chaos for any nation to endure.”

Harry Sisson, a Democratic political influencer, called the idea “utter insanity,” likening it to making Trump a king.

• Trump’s Stance
  In the past, Trump has hinted at the possibility of a third term, though often in jest. In a 2024 interview with Time, he stated he would oppose repealing the 22nd Amendment, emphasizing that his focus is on serving one effective term at a time.

• Legal Commentary
  Josh Blackman, a constitutional law professor, noted that the 22nd Amendment doesn’t explicitly address non-consecutive third terms but highlighted that historical intent likely does not support such a scenario.

Conclusion
Despite Representative Ogles’ claims that Trump’s leadership is essential for America’s future, his proposal faces insurmountable legislative and constitutional barriers. The debate reflects deepening divisions over presidential term limits and broader concerns about democratic norms.

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