Republican Push to Amend 22nd Amendment Sparks Alarm Over Trump’s Third-Term Aspirations

Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a resolution to revise the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. Ogles, an unwavering Trump ally, declared that the former president deserves more time to “restore America’s greatness,” further cementing the GOP’s loyalty to Trump over democratic values.

This audacious proposal, unveiled just days after Trump’s return to the White House for a second non-consecutive term, underscores the Republican Party’s prioritization of political power at the expense of institutional integrity. By advocating for an unprecedented third term for Trump, the GOP is actively undermining the very constitutional safeguards designed to prevent authoritarianism.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic four-term presidency, was explicitly designed to limit executive power and protect democratic stability. By seeking to repeal it, Republicans are not just challenging historical precedent—they are attempting to erode a critical check on presidential overreach.

The message is clear: the GOP is willing to rewrite the rules of democracy to sustain Trump’s grip on power, dismissing the risks of consolidating leadership in a single individual.

In response, Democratic lawmakers are fighting to protect the integrity of the 22nd Amendment. Rep. Dan Goldman of New York has introduced a resolution reaffirming the two-term limit, framing the Republican proposal as a dangerous step toward authoritarian rule.

“Allowing Donald Trump to pursue a third term is a direct attack on the foundations of our democratic republic,” Goldman stated. “This effort is not about leadership or governance—it’s about power and control.”

Democrats argue that this proposed amendment exemplifies the Republican Party’s willingness to discard democratic norms for political gain.

Even without amending the Constitution, Trump and his allies have explored other means to circumvent the 22nd Amendment’s restrictions. Legal experts have warned of scenarios in which Trump could serve as vice president or exert significant influence as the power behind a proxy president, ensuring his dominance without directly holding office.

These schemes, while legally murky, illustrate the lengths to which Trump and the GOP are willing to go to secure long-term political control—further underscoring the urgency of safeguarding democratic principles.

The Republican push to amend the 22nd Amendment is a dangerous escalation in the party’s ongoing efforts to consolidate power under Donald Trump. By prioritizing one individual over the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions, the GOP risks setting a precedent that could permanently weaken the republic.

The fight to uphold the two-term limit is about more than a single president—it is a battle for the future of American democracy itself.