Rep. Andy Ogles proposed an amendment to the US Constitution that would allow President Donald Trump to pursue a third term in office, a move that has sparked attention within the US political landscape.
The amendment seeks to change the 22nd Amendment, which currently limits presidents to two consecutive terms.
Under the proposed amendment, a president would be allowed to serve a third term if their first two terms were non-consecutive, though it would still prevent a third term for any president who had served two consecutive terms or more than two years of another president’s term.
Despite its introduction, the proposal is widely seen as having little chance of becoming law. For it to succeed, it would need to secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress and be ratified by 38 states.
However, the proposal illustrates the strong backing that Trump continues to hold within certain factions of the Republican Party, particularly the Trump-aligned House Freedom Caucus, which has championed measures reflecting his policies.
In comments supporting the amendment, Ogles emphasized the need to give Trump the chance to correct what he described as the damage done by the current administration. “It is imperative that we provide President Trump with every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration,” he said.
However, the proposal has faced significant criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Rep. Becca Balint criticized Ogles for attempting to divert attention from an ongoing investigation into his campaign finances. Rep. Steve Cohen also expressed disapproval, stating that two terms in office were sufficient.
While the measure has no immediate prospects of passing, it highlights the continued political influence of Trump within the US Republican Party and signals the ongoing divisions in American politics, with various factions pushing for policies that align with their vision of the country’s future