Trump Says He Has ‘Right’ to Run for Third Presidential Term Despite Constitutional Limit

President Donald Trump declared on Thursday in Sioux City, Iowa, that he believes he has the “right to run again” for president, despite acknowledging the Constitution likely bars him from seeking a third term. Speaking at a campaign rally ahead of the midterm elections, Trump insisted he was justified because “they cheated us” in the 2020 election.

Trump’s Ambiguous Constitutional Interpretation

During his address at Sioux Gateway Airport, the 80-year-old president reflected on the legal restrictions governing presidential terms. “I don’t know who’s going to be your next president,” Trump said. “And I think the law says, I’m not 100 percent sure, but I think the law says that I’m not allowed to run again.” He added, “I’ve studied that phrase forever,” but noted, “it’s quite concise. There’s not a lot of wiggle room.” This refers to the 22nd Amendment, which limits a person to two elected terms as president. Having won in 2016 and again in 2020, Trump’s potential third run conflicts with this constitutional rule.

Claiming Election Fraud as Justification

Despite recognizing the constitutional barrier, Trump asserted that the 2020 election was rigged against him and used that as a rationale for his right to run again. “They cheated us on the second one because we won it three times, so I think I have the right to run again. I think I have the right to run again because they cheated,” Trump said, continuing, “They rigged the election. They rigged that.” These comments perpetuate his long-standing false claim that the 2020 election was stolen, despite no evidence supporting the allegation.

Trump’s History of Teasing Another Campaign

Trump has talked about another presidential run for months, though he has previously acknowledged the constitutional restrictions. In August, he told reporters, “I’d love to run, but the law is very strong. Everybody wants me to do it, but the law is very strong.” Earlier, in July during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Trump wore a red “Trump 2028” hat and said, “I won three times. Now, I’m going to do it again.” He has also shared “Trump 2028” imagery on social media and his allies have discussed ways he might remain in power beyond the end of his current term, though Trump has also mentioned the possibility of leaving the White House in January 2029.

Approval Ratings Weaken as Midterms Approach

Trump enters the final phase of the midterm election campaign with low approval ratings. Polls from CNN/SSRS show a record-low 32 percent approval among U.S. adults, while The New York Times/Siena University reports 36 percent approval among likely voters. These figures reflect significant challenges for the Republican president as elections near.

President Trump’s latest remarks underscore his continued defiance of constitutional limits and his persistent claims of election fraud as he campaigns for Republican candidates in the critical midterm season. The controversy surrounding his eligibility and assertions adds complexity to the political landscape as voters prepare to head to the polls.