President Donald Trump says he is serious about pursuing a third presidential term.
“I’m no joke,” Trump told NBC News reporters over the weekend.
The US Constitution says that it is not permitted.
“You must not be elected to the office of the President more than once,” the 22nd Amendment reads. Trump was elected in 2016 and 2024.
The peaceful transition of power from president to president is the foundation of the American political system. It started with George Washington. George Washington left the office after the second term. After Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s fourth consecutive death, the amendment restricting presidential conditions was passed.
In theory, Florida could work to realize Trump’s vision. The state was able to ratify constitutional amendments and he could serve another term. However, such amendments must be approved by three-quarters of the state.
Other than that, Trump’s ideas are blatantly unconstitutional.
If this bothers Florida’s elected Republicans, they aren’t saying that. The Tampa Bay Times contacted Tampa Bay’s GOP Congress representative, state legislative leaders and the governor’s office on Monday.
Here’s how they answered the question that Trump wanted a third term:
meeting
Senator Rick Scott: He didn’t respond.
Senator Ashley Moody: No response.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: No response.
Rep. Vern Buchanan: Did not respond.
Rep. Gus Bilarakis: No response.
Rep. Laurel Lee: He didn’t respond.
State leaders
Danny Perez, Statehouse Speaker: No response.
State Senate President Ben Albritton: He didn’t respond.
Governor Ron Desantis: They didn’t respond.
This story may be updated if the official shares the response. Please check at tampabay.com.
