Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, introduced a resolution on Thursday aimed at amending the U.S. Constitution to allow presidents to serve up to three terms in office.
The proposal, specifically designed to enable Donald Trump to seek a third term, would alter the two-term limit established by the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951. That amendment was introduced after Franklin D. Roosevelt broke precedent by serving four terms, with his presidency ending in 1945.
Rep. Ogles explained his rationale in a statement, emphasizing Trump’s leadership and contrasting it with what he described as “chaos and economic decline” under the current administration.
“President Trump’s decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the challenges and suffering Americans have endured over the past four years,” Ogles said. “He has proven himself uniquely capable of reversing our nation’s decline and restoring America to greatness. To achieve this, we must provide him the time necessary to complete the work he started.”
The amendment, if ratified, would allow presidents to serve up to three non-consecutive terms. However, it would maintain restrictions on consecutive terms to prevent potential consolidation of power.
The proposed amendment states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms. No person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which another person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
Ogles argued that extraordinary measures are necessary to address what he described as the failures of the Biden administration.
In his statement, Ogles listed several issues he attributed to the current administration, including:
- A surge in illegal immigration leading to increased drug overdoses and crime.
- Rising costs of gas and groceries, creating financial strain for families.
- Controversial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies impacting businesses and hiring practices.
- Restrictions on free speech and censorship on social media platforms.
- Punitive measures against servicemembers for vaccine refusals.
“These abuses have left Americans reeling,” Ogles said. “We need bold leadership to reverse this damage, and President Trump has consistently demonstrated his loyalty to the American people and his ability to restore the republic.”
The proposal has sparked significant debate, even among Trump supporters. While many Republicans back Trump’s leadership, some argue that the proposed amendment goes against core conservative principles like limited government and term limits.
One user on X wrote: “I love Trump, but no. We changed it because Roosevelt was so bad no one wanted to chance going through that again. What we need is someone else to step up and lead with principles.”
Another echoed similar concerns: “I like Trump, but he should find a worthy successor after his second term. Expanding term limits could be abused in the future.”
Critics warn that extending presidential term limits could set a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for power consolidation and abuses by future administrations. Others advocate for focusing on term limits for Congress rather than extending presidential tenure.