Top Republican leaders in Congress are downplaying President Donald Trump's comments about running for a third term.

 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Chuck Grassley both emphasized that Trump cannot serve a third term without a constitutional amendment. Thune suggested that Trump's comments were likely made in jest, saying, "I think he's probably having some fun with it, probably messing with you."

Other Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Steve Scalise, also dismissed the idea of Trump running for a third term. Scalise noted that Trump often floats ideas to spark discussion, rather than with the intention of actually implementing them. However, not all Republicans are dismissing the idea. Representative Andy Ogles introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow presidents to serve up to three terms, although this measure is highly unlikely to pass.

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Despite the long-shot prospects of a constitutional amendment, Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of a third term in recent months. Some have even speculated about a scenario in which Vice President JD Vance could run in 2028, name Trump as his running mate, and then resign to hand the presidency back to Trump. However, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole called this idea "too fanciful to really discuss seriously at this point."