United States President Donald Trump sparked controversy on Thursday by suggesting he might seek an unconstitutional third term during a highly political address to American troops at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base.
Speaking to uniformed service members, Trump repeated his false claim about winning the 2020 election against Joe Biden.
“We won three elections, ok? And some people want us to do a fourth. I don’t know. We’ll have to think about that,” Trump told the military audience.
The remarks directly contradict the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, which explicitly limits presidents to two elected terms. Trump had acknowledged this limitation in a recent NBC News interview, where he named Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential 2028 successors.
During the Qatar speech, Trump referenced campaign merchandise promoting a 2028 run while admitting its provocative purpose. “The hottest hat is — it says Trump 2028. We’re driving the left crazy when you see that,” he said.
The event took on the tone of a campaign rally despite military traditions of non-partisanship. Trump mocked Biden’s physical stamina, claiming his predecessor couldn’t have managed Trump’s own secret 2018 Christmas trip to Baghdad. Earlier in Doha, Trump had called Biden a “stupid person” during meetings with foreign officials.
The President concluded the troops address by leading the crowd in the Village People’s “YMCA” — a song that has become a signature rally anthem. Some service members appeared to smile during the unconventional political speech at a military facility.
This marks Trump’s second recent public flirtation with the constitutionally prohibited third-term idea, following similar comments at a Nevada rally earlier this month. Legal scholars universally agree the 22nd Amendment’s term limits could only be bypassed through an extremely unlikely constitutional amendment process.
The White House hasn’t clarified whether Trump’s remarks represent serious intent or political provocation. Historically, third-term speculation has been considered politically toxic since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency led to the 22nd Amendment’s ratification in 1951.
