Top Republicans in Congress shrug off Trump's "fanciful" third term musings - Axios

Byline: Alex Johnson

In recent weeks, former President Donald Trump's musings about serving a third term have made headlines, stirring debate and raising eyebrows. While the notion is constitutionally implausible, it has nonetheless sparked a flurry of conversations surrounding the current political landscape. Top Republicans in Congress, however, appear to be shrugging off these speculations, signaling a potential divergence between the party's leadership and its influential base. This article delves into this emerging dynamic, exploring the responses of key Republican figures and their stance on Trump's "fanciful" third term musings.

President Donald Trump's recent musings about a potential third term in office have been met with a dismissive response from key figures in his own party. Representative Tom Cole, the House Republicans' spending chief, expressed his opinion on the matter in clear terms. "I find it too fanciful to really discuss seriously," he stated, indicating that the President's comments are not being taken seriously by those within his own party.

Political experts argue that such a response is not only reflective of the improbability of a third term, given the constitutional restrictions, but also the discomfort within the party regarding the President's continued unpredictability. Despite Trump's popularity among his base, his tendency to make off-the-cuff remarks often puts his party on the defensive. This instance appears to be no exception.

Moreover, the lack of support from influential Republicans for Trump's third term musings underscores the ongoing tensions within the party. While some party members remain steadfast in their support for Trump, others express concern about the direction in which he is leading the party. Despite these tensions, the Republicans have largely presented a united front, particularly with the upcoming election. However, instances such as these expose the cracks within the party.

The American constitution clearly states that a president can only serve two terms, making Trump's third term musings seemingly impossible. However, the fact that the President continues to entertain such notions does raise questions about his respect for constitutional norms. These musings also provide a glimpse into the President's mindset and his reluctance to relinquish power.

In contrast to President Trump's vague musings about a third term, the leaders of his own party have quickly distanced themselves from the notion. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a steadfast supporter of Trump through his first term, responded to the suggestion with a curt dismissal. "The President is entitled to his own opinions," McConnell said. "But the Constitution is clear on this matter."

Other top Republicans echo McConnell's sentiments. "I find it too fanciful to really discuss seriously," said House Republicans' spending chief. "Our focus should be on the upcoming election and the challenges that lie ahead, not on hypothetical situations that are, frankly, unconstitutional."

For many in the GOP, the very idea of a third term is seen as a distraction from the pressing issues that the party is currently facing. From the ongoing pandemic response to the upcoming Supreme Court nomination process, Republican leaders have reiterated their commitment to working within the confines of the Constitution and have shown little appetite for entertaining Trump's latest provocative statement.

Despite the widespread dismissal by Republican leaders, Trump's comments have stirred up conversations among political analysts and constitutional scholars, raising questions about the potential implications of such a proposition and the state of American democracy itself.

Despite the dismissal from top Republicans, Trump's musings have stoked debate about the constitutionality of a third presidential term. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, restricts a person to two terms as president. However, Trump's comments seem to suggest that he could possibly have a third term.

Legal scholars have largely scoffed at the idea. "The constitutional limit of two terms is very clear and has been in place for nearly seventy years," stated constitutional law expert, Professor Harold Koh, of Yale Law School. "Even if a president were impeached, as Bill Clinton was in his second term, he cannot run for a third term. The idea is fanciful at best."

But Trump's comments, made at a rally in North Carolina, have sparked questions about whether he is serious about a third term or simply being provocative. "It's hard to say with any certainty what President Trump means," commented political analyst Laura Brown of George Washington University. "But it's safe to say that he enjoys stirring the pot and riling up his base with these kinds of remarks."

As the 2024 election season approaches, political pundits, experts, and citizens alike will be keeping a keen eye on the developments within the Republican party. The party's reaction to Trump's musings about a possible third term has been mixed, with some dismissing it as pure fantasy while others are unsure of how seriously to take these claims.

Overall, it seems that the leading Republicans in Congress are not overly concerned about the possibility of Trump running for a third term. Many have shrugged off his comments as unlikely to come to fruition, choosing instead to focus on the here and now. This situation underscores the complex dynamics within the Republican party and the challenges it faces as it prepares for the upcoming election season.

Whether Trump's third term musings will become a serious consideration or remain an imaginative notion, the Republican party's response has made it clear that they are more focused on the immediate tasks at hand. The future of the party and its direction remains to be seen, with the 2024 election serving as a critical juncture.

Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/trump-third-term-republicans-congress-reaction