In case you don’t have enough politics to think about amid the 2026 midterm election season, here’s something else: President Donald Trump is once again fueling speculation about his plans to return to office for a third term. If you didn’t know, this is currently not allowed by the U.S. Constitution. But the most recent mention of a third Trump term has some wondering if it could actually, somehow, become possible.
ICYMI, during the rescheduled 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner on July 24, Trump commented that “the third time will be better yet,” before later putting on a “Trump 2028” hat, reviving a conversation that’s followed him throughout most of his second term. Since the Constitution explicitly limits presidents to two elected terms, many people are dismissing Trump’s comments as a joke (or a threat, depending who you ask). But after months of conversations surrounding executive power — especially with the administration’s efforts to reinterpret birthright citizenship through executive action — many Americans are wondering just how much authority a president has when it comes to changing the Constitution itself.
So the question is, is there a world in which Trump could actually run for a third term? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the 22nd Amendment?
Ratified in 1951 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected for four terms, the 22nd Amendment established presidential term limits. The amendment states that “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” The amendment was designed to ensure no single person could remain in the presidency indefinitely, creating a formal check on executive power after Roosevelt’s unexpected tenure. Since Trump was elected in both 2016 and 2024, he has already reached that constitutional limit.
Could Trump Amend the 22nd Amendment?
Technically no. At least not by himself.
While presidents can advocate for constitutional changes, they cannot amend the Constitution through executive orders or presidential authority alone. (An example of this can be seen with Trump’s attempt to get rid of birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment.)
Changing the 22nd Amendment would require one of the most difficult legal processes in the American government system. First, an amendment would need to either be approved by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Then, it would still need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50) before it could become a part of the Constitution.
In other words, despite Trump’s repeated jokes about serving a third term, the Constitution currently bars him from being elected president for a third time, and it’s unlikely (though technically not 100% impossible) that will change.
What Happens If Trump Tries To Run Anyway?
Even if Trump tried to run for a third term, it wouldn’t automatically mean that his name would appear on the ballot, or that he could legally take office.
Since the 22nd Amendment clearly states that no person can be elected president more than twice, if Trump still tried to run, it’s likely that election officials, state governments, and the courts would become involved long before Election Day. If an ineligible candidate filed to run, states could face lawsuits over whether that candidate’s name should appear on the ballot, and the issues could make their way through the federal court system.
If the case were to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, then SCOTUS would be responsible for interpreting how the Constitution applies to the situation without rewriting it. In other words, while Trump could attempt to challenge the existing amendment, simply declaring a third-term campaign wouldn’t override the Constitution. Any effort to do so would face immediate legal challenges and an unprecedented constitutional battle.
So, What Can You Do?
While conversations regarding presidential power often dominate national headlines, it’s important to remember that the president isn’t the only elected official who shapes the nation’s future. With the 2026 midterm elections quickly approaching this November, voters across the country will have the opportunity to elect members of Congress, governors, state legislators, and other local officials who play a direct role in creating laws and shaping politics in their communities.
If issues like constitutional amendments, executive power, or the balance of power in government matter to you, the most impactful thing you can do is vote. Make sure to research the candidates on your ballot, verify that you’re registered to vote, make a plan to vote, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Whether your goal is to support candidates who align with your values or hold elected officials accountable, participating in the democratic process is the most powerful way to make your voice heard.
It’s almost time for the 2026 midterm elections, and Her Campus has teamed up with HeadCount to make sure you’re ready to vote. Visit HeadCount.org/Her-Campus to register to vote, check your registration status, learn about upcoming elections, and more.