Trump’s Ambitious Plan for a Third Term Challenges Constitutional Limits on Democracy

A striking 2019 study reveals that one-third of world leaders nearing the end of their constitutional terms attempt to cling to power, a trend that escalates to half when excluding advanced democracies. Among 234 incumbents across 106 countries, the findings emphasize that while these leaders don’t outright ignore constitutions, they often exploit loopholes or reinterpret rules to extend their tenure.

Mila Versteeg, a law professor at the University of Virginia, underscores this phenomenon, likening it to basic arithmetic: “Four plus four is eight… if you’re in year nine, you’re violating the Constitution.” The implications are particularly relevant in the context of Donald Trump’s political maneuvers. Some of his allies propose that he could run again, claiming his non-consecutive terms offer a loophole, despite the clear restrictions of the 22nd Amendment.

Trump’s potential strategies could include daring courts to disqualify him, yet the clarity of the 22nd Amendment complicates this. More alarmingly, some speculate Trump could refuse to step down come January 20, 2029, fueled by his past attempts to overturn his 2020 defeat. While Versteeg views the U.S. as a resilient democracy, she acknowledges the strong motivations leaders have to retain their roles, highlighting a troubling desire for extended power.