The Prospect of a Third Term: What's Next for Trump
By Mildred P. Dingleberry
A few months ago, following the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, I wrote an opinion piece titled “Unified Government or Tyranny?” In it, I expressed my concerns about the growing dominance of the Republican Party across the branches of government. My concern wasn’t about the Republican Party itself but about how the American political system is designed to prevent tyranny. The system’s core principle is to separate the three branches of government, ensuring no one party or person holds too much power.
Fast forward to today, and I’m responding to the recent news that on January 23, 2025, Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a House Joint Resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution, allowing a president to serve up to three terms. This is a radical shift. Historically, only one president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, has served more than two terms—before the 22nd Amendment was passed in 1951. His extended presidency occurred under extraordinary circumstances, such as World War II and the Great Depression, which many believed justified the extension. Even before the 22nd Amendment, the two-term limit was more of an informal tradition, set by George Washington when he voluntarily stepped down after two terms to avoid any appearance of monarchy or dictatorship, especially after America had fought to gain independence from Britain. Washington’s decision to step down was a demonstration of his commitment to republican ideals and the peaceful transfer of power.
As radical as this proposed amendment is, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that it could pass—particularly with the Republican Party holding majorities in both the House and Senate and significant influence over the Supreme Court. If this amendment does succeed, it will fundamentally alter the political system and raise serious concerns about what could come next. Historically, many dictatorships began with legal changes that altered legal norms, much like this bill does. What starts as a seemingly innocuous push to extend power could eventually morph into something far more dangerous and unimaginable.
Now, I’m not claiming that President Trump is a dictator. Even Franklin Roosevelt faced criticism for overreach after his court-packing attempt, yet he remains one of the most influential presidents in American history. What I’m trying to highlight is that, whether intentionally or not, we are facing a moment where the lines between democracy and power are beginning to blur. As these lines become less clear, it’s worth asking: What happens next?