Democratic strategist James Carville expressed on Thursday that he hopes former President Trump will consider running for a third term. However, he doesn’t foresee a scenario where the incumbent Republican would be able to contest in the upcoming election.
During an interview on “Political War Room,” co-host Al Hunt addressed a listener’s concerns about Steve Bannon’s assertion that Trump intends to run for a third term despite constitutional limits. Hunt’s response was a firm, “No way, Jose.”
Carville admitted feeling somewhat irritated when discussing Trump’s aspirations for a third term. “I get it; Trump didn’t win, and I sometimes wish I’d let him run,” he remarked. “But I don’t think he’ll be healthy enough for the next three years—it’d take longer than that.” He added that Trump would likely face significant defeat, noting that the language in the 22nd Amendment is quite clear, and the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, has shown little interest in challenges regarding it.
Trump had been hinting at a potential third run just months into his second term. In various interviews, he has fluctuated between saying he “probably” won’t pursue it—like he indicated back in August—and more recently expressed that he “would love to do it.”
When asked about his thoughts on future candidates, Trump mentioned Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors in 2028. Vance, speaking on “Pod Force One,” described their close friendship but claimed any talk of 2028 is “premature.”
Reactions among Republican lawmakers regarding Trump’s potential third run vary. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Fox News in September that he hoped Trump’s run “would never end,” declaring “Trump 2028.” In contrast, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) remarked that Trump’s chances of pursuing a third term are “very low,” adding that it will ultimately depend on Trump’s perspective regarding constitutional limitations.
Tuberville noted, “The Constitution states otherwise, but if he believes there are ways around it, that’s for him to decide,” and emphasized that there’s a long road ahead before such a scenario unfolds.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also downplayed the likelihood of Trump’s third run, stating to reporters that he sees no viable way to alter the 22nd Amendment, which mandates a two-thirds vote from both Congressional houses or state legislatures to initiate a constitutional convention.
“It was a fantastic campaign, but I think the president recognizes the strictness of the Constitution. Many Americans lament this narrowness,” Johnson remarked. “I can’t envision a clear path for change.” The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits U.S. presidents to two terms. Although George Washington set this precedent by not seeking a third term, Franklin D. Roosevelt remains the only president to win a third and fourth term prior to the Amendment’s ratification.
