Could Trump Return for a Third Term? Experts Reveal Loophole That May Make It Possible

Could Trump Return for a Third Term? Experts Reveal Loophole That May Make It Possible

At exactly noon on Saturday, January 20, 2029, a historic scene unfolds in Washington, D.C. A bearded man, James David Vance, steps up at the US Capitol, places his left hand on the Bible, raises his right, and begins the presidential oath: “I, James David Vance, do solemnly swear…”

But moments after being sworn in, President Vance smiles and declares, “I resign!”
In the crowd gathered on the National Mall, a thunderous roar erupts: “Trump! Trump! Trump!” and “Four more years”

With Vance’s resignation, former President Donald Trump—his running mate—steps forward to reclaim the presidency for a third term. It may sound like a far-fetched political thriller or conspiracy theory, but according to some constitutional experts, this scenario, while unprecedented, is not impossible.

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution restricts any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice. However, it does not explicitly bar someone from serving as president again if they were not directly elected to the position.

Legal scholars argue this opens a loophole: If Trump were to run as a vice-presidential candidate, and his presidential running mate resigned or became unable to serve shortly after taking office, Trump could legally assume the presidency again.

This interpretation, while controversial and likely to face fierce legal and political challenges, is not currently addressed in the Constitution's wording. In theory, it could allow Trump to serve a third—and potentially even a fourth—term, keeping him in office until 2037.

As debates over constitutional intent and legal gray areas intensify, one thing is certain: the 2028 election could open the door to one of the most unprecedented political comebacks in American history