Steve Bannon Claims T.r.u.m.p Will Serve a Third Term—But the Constitution Says Otherwise

On a recent episode of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” former T.r.u.m.p strategist Steve Bannon made a statement that sent shockwaves across the political spectrum: “President T.r.u.m.p is going to run for a third term and President T.r.u.m.p is going to be elected again on the afternoon of January 20th, 2029.” The audience responded with a mix of laughter, applause, and incredulity. Bill Maher, ever the sharp-witted host, immediately reached for the U.S. Constitution.

“Can I read a passage to you?” Maher asked, referencing the 22nd Amendment. “‘No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice.’ And yet you keep talking about T.r.u.m.p’s third term. Maybe you should have this.”

The Constitution Is Clear

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, couldn’t be more explicit:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice…”

This amendment was adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms, to ensure that no president could serve more than two elected terms. Since then, it has been an unbreakable pillar of American democracy.

Wishful Thinking or Legal Loophole?

Bannon did not claim that T.r.u.m.p himself was pushing for a third term, but insisted that he and “a team of people” were working on ways to make it happen. “How can a team do something about [the amendment]?” Maher pressed, pointing out the straightforward language.

Bannon’s response was vague, hinting at some legal or procedural strategy that could circumvent the amendment. But constitutional scholars are unanimous: there is no legal pathway for a third term under the current law. The only way the 22nd Amendment could be changed is through the arduous process of passing a new constitutional amendment—requiring two-thirds approval in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. Given America’s current political climate, such a change is almost inconceivable.

Why Do These Claims Persist?

Bannon’s insistence on a third term is not new among T.r.u.m.p’s most fervent supporters. It reflects a broader trend in American politics where norms and even constitutional limits are tested, questioned, or dismissed for political gain. For some, the claim is a rallying cry to energize the base. For others, it’s a way to sow doubt about the legitimacy of existing institutions.

But it also speaks to a deeper anxiety: the fear that American democracy itself is under threat, and that the rules can be bent or broken by those with enough power or influence.

Political Theater or Dangerous Rhetoric?

To many, Bannon’s comments are simply political theater—designed to provoke, distract, and dominate headlines. But for others, they represent a dangerous disregard for the rule of law. When influential figures openly discuss ignoring the Constitution, it chips away at public trust and encourages extremism.

Bill Maher’s response—reading the actual text of the Constitution—was a reminder that words matter, and that some boundaries are meant to be respected.

Can T.r.u.m.p Serve a Third Term?

Under current law, Donald T.r.u.m.p—or any former president—cannot be elected to a third term. The 22nd Amendment is crystal clear, and no team of lawyers, strategists, or political operatives has found a loophole.

Speculation about a third term may make for compelling TV, but in reality, it’s not possible unless the Constitution itself is changed—a process designed to be nearly impossible without overwhelming national consensus.

The Constitution Is Not a Suggestion

Steve Bannon’s claim is just the latest in a series of provocative statements from T.r.u.m.p allies. But the American system is built on laws, not personalities. The 22nd Amendment is not a suggestion—it is the law of the land. Unless and until it is changed, the idea of a third T.r.u.m.p term remains pure fantasy.

As Bill Maher put it, perhaps Bannon should keep a copy of the Constitution handy—because, in the end, it’s the only document that decides who gets to be president, and for how long.