Could a U.S. President Ever Serve More Than Two Terms?
For decades, the two-term presidential limit has stood as a cornerstone of American democracy. Established by the 22nd Amendment, it ensures that no leader may serve more than eight years in the White House. Yet, every so often, the question resurfaces: could the rule ever change?
Recently, former President Donald Trump reignited the discussion by suggesting that “loopholes” might exist, sparking debate about the history, legality, and future of presidential term limits. While his remarks attracted attention, they also highlight broader questions about how—and whether—the system could ever be altered.
The Origins of the Two-Term Limit
The U.S. Constitution originally placed no restriction on the number of presidential terms. George Washington, however, set an early precedent by stepping down after two terms in 1797. For more than a century, presidents followed his example.
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