Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles publicly proposed to amend the 22 Amendment, allowing President Donald Trump to serve a third term.
The 22 Amendment, ratified in 1951, states that all elected presidents may only serve two terms in office, totaling up to eight years as president.
This amendment was enacted as a result of the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to serve four terms. To continue the transition of power and maintain a democracy, the 22 amendment placed a limit on governmental leaders.
Andy Ogles shared the press release on his campaign website, formally declaring his position on the matter.
“I am proposing an amendment to the Constitution to revise the limitations imposed by the 22 Amendment on presidential terms.” Ogles shared. “This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs.”
Ogles is not the first congressman to challenge the amendment, as its implications have been debated throughout the history of politics. Not only have countless senators and representatives attempted to repeal the amendment, but United States Presidents Harry Truman, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton as well.
The altering of this amendment has created questions surrounding the standing of former presidents. Many believe if Donald Trump is permitted a third term, then most presidents should be granted that freedom as well.
To which Andy Ogles proposes the argument of two non-consecutive terms. Due to the fact that President Donald Trump did not serve two presidential terms sequentially, politicians believe he should be granted a third term.
This specificity rules out the possibility of President Barack Obama, or any previous presidents who have served two consecutive terms, running for a third term.
Jenna Ellis, a conservative lawyer who represented Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election legal team, took to “X” to share her thoughts on the debate.
“Constitutional amendments are for enduring principles and processes. Not for a singular moment or because you want attention from the current leader.” Ellis said.
Donald Trump has not agreed to persist in the matter of changing the constitutional amendment. Although, in regards to running for a third term, Donald Trump shared his opinion with the House Republicans shortly after winning the 2024 election.
“I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we’ve got to figure something else.'” Trump said.
This change requires a new constitutional amendment, which is a complex process, requiring a majority vote from the House of Representatives, Senate, and State Legislatures. Given the nature of this process, it is highly unlikely that a new amendment would be passed in the near future.
If former President Donald Trump were granted a third term, the impact on legislation in Tallahassee would largely depend on the federal policies he implemented and how they interact with local governance.