By DAYO ADESULU
Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to amend the Constitution and allow former President Donald Trump to run for a third term. The proposal challenges the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms.
Ogles, representing Tennessee, submitted the resolution on Thursday, arguing that Trump’s leadership is essential for addressing America’s current challenges.
“He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness. He must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal,” Ogles said.
Key Highlights:
- 22nd Amendment: Ratified in 1951, the amendment limits any individual to two presidential terms. It was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms from 1933 to 1945.
- Ogles contends that Trump needs more time to address issues like border security, energy independence, and gender identity policies, as well as withdrawing from international organizations like the WHO.
Challenges Ahead:
Amending the Constitution requires:
- A two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.
- Ratification by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50).
While Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, the resolution faces steep hurdles due to the high bipartisan support needed.
Trump’s Stance:
Though Trump previously dismissed running for a third term, he joked about the idea after securing the Republican nomination for 2024, saying:
“Unless you say, ‘he’s so good, we have to just figure it out.’”
Historical Context:
The 22nd Amendment was enacted to prevent extended presidential tenures after Roosevelt’s four terms raised concerns about excessive executive power. It aligned with George Washington’s precedent of serving only two terms.
While Ogles’ proposal underscores Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party, the resolution is unlikely to advance due to the extensive bipartisan consensus required to amend the Constitution.
-
-
-
-
