Democrats in Congress are pressing their Republican colleagues to unequivocally confirm that President-elect Donald Trump is constitutionally barred from serving a third term.
Representative Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives on November 14 that reaffirms the 22nd Amendment applies to two terms “in the aggregate,” including non-consecutive presidencies like Trump’s.
“Congress must uphold the principles of the Constitution and reaffirm its clear intent to limit presidents to two terms,” Goldman said in a statement.
The resolution follows multiple comments from Trump hinting at a desire or entitlement to serve beyond two terms. On November 13, Trump told House Republicans, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you do something,” implying a potential push to extend his eligibility.
Such comments, while often dismissed by Trump and his allies as jokes, have alarmed Democrats.
The resolution also highlights Trump’s rhetoric during campaign events in 2024. At a conservative Christian gathering in July, he told attendees they “won’t have to vote anymore” if he is re-elected, suggesting a future where elections may be rendered unnecessary.
Similar comments date back to 2019, when he posted videos and spoke at campaign rallies entertaining the idea of extended or indefinite terms.
“Should we go back to sixteen years? Should we do that?” Trump mused during a 2018 speech to Congress, referencing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s lifetime leadership.
Republicans have largely dismissed the resolution as unnecessary. Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who attended the November 13 meeting, said Trump’s comment was “clearly a joke,” and accused Democrats of overreacting. “They’re looking for headlines where there are none,” Burchett told reporters.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced to prevent a repeat of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. While some Trump allies have publicly advocated for its repeal, no formal legislative attempts have been made. Still, Trump’s rhetoric has sparked concerns among Democrats that such efforts could gain traction within a GOP-dominated Congress.
Trump himself has sent mixed signals on the issue. In an April 2024 interview with TIME, he said, “I wouldn’t be in favor of [a third term]. Not for me,” but added that “a lot of people like it.” Democrats worry such statements normalize discussions of extended terms and weaken democratic norms.
However, while symbolic, Goldman’s resolution is unlikely to gain traction in the Republican-controlled House, where Trump continues to wield significant influence. Yet, Democrats see the effort as a crucial step in reinforcing constitutional principles.
“The 22nd Amendment was created for a reason,” Goldman said. “It’s not about any single individual—it’s about ensuring no one person can consolidate power indefinitely.”
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