A Secret About the Constitution: How Trump Could Survive a Third Term
The US constitution, often viewed as sacrosanct and impervious to change, holds one glaring weakness: its very existence can be altered by the whims of those who wield power. The document's strength lies not in its content but in the institutions that uphold it. Under President Donald Trump, these institutions have been systematically eroded, setting the stage for a potential constitutional overhaul.
Despite concerns about the constitutionality of his plans, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in serving a third term. His words were echoed by former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who claimed there was "a plan" to get Trump re-elected. While the notion is unthinkable to many, Trump's track record suggests that no obstacle can stop him if he sets his mind to it.
To achieve a third term, Trump would need to find a plausible legal basis for doing so. One possible route involves repealing the 22nd Amendment, which limits a president to two terms. However, this would require approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, an unlikely outcome given the current polarized landscape.
Another path involves calling for a constitutional convention, which would require two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) to call for such a meeting. If successful, any amendment would need ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures. The Heritage Foundation has expressed interest in holding such a convention, and with significant financial backing, it's possible that this could become a reality.
For the most audacious and far-fetched option, Trump could declare a state of emergency and postpone the 2028 election. Given his history of using emergency declarations to justify various actions, including tariffs and deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles, it wouldn't be entirely impossible.
Once a legal basis for a third term is established, manipulating public opinion would be crucial. Trump has already demonstrated an ability to control the narrative by chipping away at press freedom and turning some media outlets into sycophants. Social media, too, can be manipulated through bots to sway public opinion. It's estimated that one-third of the internet is now comprised of bots, which can significantly influence views.
Finally, neutralizing opposition would prove relatively easy given the current state of the Democratic Party. The party remains divided and disorganized, with potential candidates like Kamala Harris struggling to articulate a clear vision. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom, who could be a more formidable opponent, is yet to announce his intentions for 2028.
In conclusion, while it's unlikely that Trump will succeed in achieving a third term, the very real possibility should not be dismissed out of hand. The US constitution remains vulnerable to manipulation by those with power and influence. As such, it's essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario and acknowledge the very real risk of Trump seeking another term in office.
In light of this, we urge Democrats to seize the moment and rally against any attempts to undermine the constitution. We must also be vigilant in our efforts to protect press freedom, social media integrity, and the democratic institutions that hold this country together.
The US constitution, often viewed as sacrosanct and impervious to change, holds one glaring weakness: its very existence can be altered by the whims of those who wield power. The document's strength lies not in its content but in the institutions that uphold it. Under President Donald Trump, these institutions have been systematically eroded, setting the stage for a potential constitutional overhaul.
Despite concerns about the constitutionality of his plans, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in serving a third term. His words were echoed by former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who claimed there was "a plan" to get Trump re-elected. While the notion is unthinkable to many, Trump's track record suggests that no obstacle can stop him if he sets his mind to it.
To achieve a third term, Trump would need to find a plausible legal basis for doing so. One possible route involves repealing the 22nd Amendment, which limits a president to two terms. However, this would require approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, an unlikely outcome given the current polarized landscape.
Another path involves calling for a constitutional convention, which would require two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) to call for such a meeting. If successful, any amendment would need ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures. The Heritage Foundation has expressed interest in holding such a convention, and with significant financial backing, it's possible that this could become a reality.
For the most audacious and far-fetched option, Trump could declare a state of emergency and postpone the 2028 election. Given his history of using emergency declarations to justify various actions, including tariffs and deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles, it wouldn't be entirely impossible.
Once a legal basis for a third term is established, manipulating public opinion would be crucial. Trump has already demonstrated an ability to control the narrative by chipping away at press freedom and turning some media outlets into sycophants. Social media, too, can be manipulated through bots to sway public opinion. It's estimated that one-third of the internet is now comprised of bots, which can significantly influence views.
Finally, neutralizing opposition would prove relatively easy given the current state of the Democratic Party. The party remains divided and disorganized, with potential candidates like Kamala Harris struggling to articulate a clear vision. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom, who could be a more formidable opponent, is yet to announce his intentions for 2028.
In conclusion, while it's unlikely that Trump will succeed in achieving a third term, the very real possibility should not be dismissed out of hand. The US constitution remains vulnerable to manipulation by those with power and influence. As such, it's essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario and acknowledge the very real risk of Trump seeking another term in office.
In light of this, we urge Democrats to seize the moment and rally against any attempts to undermine the constitution. We must also be vigilant in our efforts to protect press freedom, social media integrity, and the democratic institutions that hold this country together.