Trump’s jokes about breaking one of the most important democratic principles: “We’ll do it at least three more times”

In an attempt to provoke the media, President Donald Trump made a “joke” suggesting that he hoped to remain in office beyond the constitutionally mandated term limits.

During a lunch with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at the annual “Friends of Ireland” luncheon in the U.S. Capitol, Trump remarked that he hoped to host the event “at least three more times.” He then paused and added, “When I say ‘at least,’ they go absolutely crazy,” said the president, gesturing toward the cameras where the media was positioned.

This is not the first time Trump has hinted at extending his time in office beyond the standard two terms.

On one occasion, which took place at a campaign event in West Palm Beach, Florida in late July, the then-GOP-candiate-for-president told a group of evangelical Christians that they would never need to vote again if he won the November election. “Four more years, it will be fixed [...] it will be fine,” Trump stated, adding that they “wouldn’t have to do it again.” He then bizarrely remarked that he was not a Christian—a comment which he has not been asked to clarify.

What establishes the two-term rule for the US president?

The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits a president from serving more than two terms, even if the terms are nonconsecutive, as is Trump’s case. The only U.S. president to serve more than two terms was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who remained in office during the Great Depression and World War II.

The tradition of a two-term presidency was established by George Washington, the nation’s first president. Although he was widely popular and could have sought a third term, Washington chose to step down, believing it was important for the young democracy to experience a peaceful transition of power.

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