Trump’s Plan for a Third Term Is Already Underway—And Democrats Are Nowhere to Be Seen

While much of the country remains distracted by the daily noise of politics, Donald Trump and his allies are quietly laying the foundation for a third term. The reality of this plan is sinking in, and alarmingly, the Democratic Party appears to be doing little to stop it.

Just last week, Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, reiterated his belief that Trump would run again in 2028. “I’m a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again,” he declared. This is not the first time Bannon has expressed this idea, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that he is not alone in his thinking. Trump’s camp has been actively discussing how they might circumvent the 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidents to two terms, by arguing that the word “consecutive” is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. This legal loophole, if exploited, could set the stage for a third term in office.

Trump has also been making his intentions known. In various public appearances, he has floated the possibility of running again, suggesting that unless Republicans insist he step aside, he may consider another campaign. These aren’t idle musings—they signal a more serious effort to maintain his hold on power. From joking with Speaker Mike Johnson about whether he’s “allowed” to run again, to publicly asking his supporters, “Should I run again?” Trump’s rhetoric is starting to resemble a strategic roadmap for prolonging his presidency, not just hypothetical conversation.

The 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms, was passed after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency, a move designed to prevent any one person from consolidating too much power. The intent was clear: to avoid the dangers of an autocratic leader. But now, Trump’s team is actively discussing ways to overturn or bypass this safeguard.

Earlier this year, Republican Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution to allow for a president to serve up to three terms. Ogles argued that Trump’s leadership was essential for reversing what he saw as America’s decline, claiming that the nation needed more time under Trump’s “decisive leadership” to restore its former glory. In his view, the amendment would ensure that the bold leadership Trump brought to the White House could continue.

“He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal,” Ogles said. “To that end, I am proposing an amendment to the constitution to revise the limitations imposed by the 22nd amendment on presidential terms. This amendment would allow Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs.”

For many legal experts, including Georgetown Law professor Michele Goodwin, the notion of Trump attempting to claim a third term by any means necessary is far from far-fetched. Trump has already demonstrated a flagrant disregard for legal boundaries during his time in office. From executive orders designed to end birthright citizenship to sweeping deportation policies that violated constitutional protections, Trump’s actions have consistently challenged the limits of executive power. Goodwin suggests that if Trump is willing to disregard the Constitution for short-term political gain, he could very well attempt to undermine the rules preventing him from running again.

While some legal scholars dismiss the idea of a third term as legally impossible, Trump’s most loyal supporters have shown little concern for constitutional constraints. In fact, the mere suggestion that Trump could extend his time in office has energized his base. For them, the Constitution’s limitations seem irrelevant when it comes to the prospect of a strong, unwavering leader who promises to restore their vision of America.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party remains largely passive in the face of this growing threat.

Robert Reich, former labor secretary under Bill Clinton, sharply criticized the Democratic response in a recent post, stating, “Where the hell are the Democrats?” Reich argued that the party is wasting its opportunity to take action, allowing Trump to push forward unchecked. Some Democrats, he notes, are advising their colleagues to stay quiet and let Trump and his supporters make mistakes, hoping that the midterm elections will shift the political tide. This approach, Reich argues, is deeply misguided. As he writes, “Tens of millions of Americans believe there’s no real Democratic opposition to Trump. They feel demoralized and defeated.”

The truth is, Trump’s administration has already taken significant steps to reshape America’s legal, cultural, and political landscape. From pressuring universities to alter their curricula to attempting to influence the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Trump’s influence over national institutions has only grown. Just this year, the Department of Education launched investigations into dozens of universities for alleged antisemitic discrimination, signaling the growing reach of his political agenda into everyday American life. The extent of this interference is alarming, and yet, there is little organized resistance from the Democratic Party.

Michele Goodwin also warns of the broader implications of this unchecked power. She explains that it is far easier to dismantle institutions than to rebuild them. Trump’s attacks on the government and legal system have already begun to take a toll on the nation’s institutions, and restoring them could take decades. Whether it’s gutting federal agencies or purging government staff, the damage being done is significant and long-lasting. As Goodwin points out, “A house set aflame can be decimated in no time. Rebuilding it, both physically and institutionally, could take decades.”

Goodwin also highlights the psychological toll this constant state of chaos has on the public. Trump’s strategy is not just about policy—it’s about destabilizing the country, overwhelming people with so much uncertainty and fear that they lose their ability to act. This is a deliberate tactic to paralyze the public, creating an environment where people feel too overwhelmed to fight back.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope. While many fear that the Supreme Court could become a tool for advancing Trump’s agenda, recent rulings have shown that some of his efforts to circumvent the Constitution have been blocked. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, both Trump appointees, sided with the liberal wing of the Court to prevent a major executive overreach in early March. While this has provided some relief, it is unclear whether the Court will continue to act as a check on Trump’s power, especially as he moves closer to running for a third term.

The situation is dire. Trump is actively working to extend his influence, and the Democrats appear largely paralyzed, either too cautious or too ineffective to challenge him. If the Democratic Party does not act swiftly and decisively, the damage done to the nation’s democratic institutions could be irreversible. With every passing day, the path to a third Trump term becomes more likely, and the opportunity to stop it grows smaller. The question now is whether the Democrats will wake up before it’s too late.