President Donald Trump made a noteworthy statement on December 11, 2025, at the White House Congressional Ball, suggesting that his influence might extend beyond his current term. While standing with First Lady Melania Trump, the 79-year-old president assured attendees of prosperous times ahead, stating, “a great three years, four years, 10 years, we’re going to make it great.”
This comment adds to the ongoing speculation that Trump may seek to remain in office beyond the constitutional two-term limit. He has previously expressed interest in a third term and shared a video in October depicting him in power for thousands of years, concluding with “TRUMP 4EVA.” In April, his campaign began selling Trump 2028 hats, signaling to supporters his long-term ambitions.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon disclosed in November 2025 that he was consulting with constitutional lawyers about bypassing term limits. On his War Room podcast, Bannon mentioned a lawyer’s claim that one could drive “a Mack truck through the 22nd Amendment.” He also told The Economist that there are multiple strategies to circumvent the amendment and predicted Trump would remain president in 2028.
Throughout 2025, Trump has sent mixed messages about a third-term bid. In March, he told NBC News he was “not joking” about another term, stating there are ways around the 22nd Amendment, though he provided no specifics. He suggested Vice President JD Vance could run in 2028 and later “pass the baton” back to him. However, by late October, Trump appeared to retract these statements, saying aboard Air Force One that “it’s pretty clear I’m not allowed to run,” adding, “It’s too bad.” When asked in August about another run, Trump said “no, probably not,” but quickly added, “I’d like to.” House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged discussions with Trump but noted a lack of realistic pathways, given that amending the Constitution would take about 10 years.
Public opinion is divided on the matter. Among 2024 Trump voters, 45 percent oppose his running for a third term, while 43 percent support it. Across the general American population, only 21 percent favor a third term for Trump.
Trump has also emphasized his intent to use federal law enforcement against his critics. In September 2024, before taking office again, he published a book threatening to imprison Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg if he engaged in illegal activities. Trump also declared on social media that those who cheated would face prosecution to the fullest extent, including “long-term prison sentences.” His threats targeted lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, and corrupt election officials.
Legal experts suggest the Supreme Court’s recent immunity ruling grants presidents considerable authority. Stephen Gillers, a professor at New York University Law School, noted that Trump has significant power if he chooses to pursue prosecutions, with minimal obstacles to securing indictments. Gillers added that fear of prosecution could compel compliance even without convictions.
Trump’s broader agenda includes what he describes as the most extensive mass deportation program in history, involving ICE, the National Guard, and local police to remove undocumented residents. He aims to end birthright citizenship, which currently grants citizenship to anyone born in the United States. Economically, Trump vowed during his campaign to reduce prices, extend his 2017 tax cuts, and eliminate federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and some Social Security benefits.
The administration released its 2025 National Security Strategy on December 4, 2025, outlining foreign policy goals. The strategy prioritizes the Western Hemisphere over global competition with China and Russia. It introduces a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing American influence in the region and countering China’s presence in Latin America. In Europe, the strategy highlights cultural changes and calls for support for “patriotic parties,” referencing far-right groups in France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
The Trump administration is working towards dismantling the Department of Education, leveraging federal funding to influence schools. It has reduced funding for schools teaching critical race theory or what Trump terms gender ideology. The administration now controls college accreditation processes and withholds funds from universities that do not comply with its policies.
Since spring 2025, the administration has frozen or canceled more than $11 billion in university research funding, targeting institutions over alleged antisemitism and diversity initiatives. Universities such as Columbia, Cornell, Penn, and Brown have settled, paying millions to restore funding. Harvard University is contesting in court, where a federal judge ruled in September that the administration’s $2.6 billion funding freeze was unconstitutional, though the administration is appealing. Executive orders have also pressured college accreditation bodies, though legal challenges persist.
Project 2025, a policy blueprint by former Trump officials and the Heritage Foundation, outlines these objectives. The 900-page plan calls for significant shifts, including limiting abortion access, expanding deportations, reducing voting protections, and rolling back transgender rights. Many Project 2025 contributors previously served in Trump’s first administration, with several holding key roles in his second term, such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, Budget Director Russell Vought, and Border Czar Tom Homan.
Trump’s repeated suggestions to extend his presidency, coupled with his administration’s assertive policy agenda and allies’ exploration of constitutional loopholes, have raised concerns among constitutional experts and Democratic lawmakers. While the 22nd Amendment poses a significant legal hurdle to a third term, Trump’s history of challenging boundaries and the Supreme Court’s immunity decision granting presidents notable power have left the seriousness of such discussions in doubt.
As the 79-year-old president approaches the 2026 midterm elections, it remains uncertain whether his statements reflect genuine ambition, political strategy, or an effort to deter Republican challengers. What is clear is that Trump continues to wield considerable influence over his party, complicating efforts for other Republicans to envision a future beyond his leadership.
