This bill reaffirms the Twenty-second Amendment, preventing any individual, including former President Trump, who has served two presidential terms from seeking the office again. It addresses concerns raised by public statements suggesting a desire to exceed the constitutional term limit.
Dan Goldman
Representative
NY-10
This bill reaffirms the Twenty-Second Amendment, which limits a president to two terms in office. It emphasizes that this limit applies in aggregate, preventing any individual who has served two terms as President from running again. The bill is a direct response to instances where President Trump suggested serving more than two terms. It explicitly prohibits President Trump from running for president again.
Bill Reaffirms Two-Term Limit, Bars Trump from Future Presidential Run
This bill explicitly reinforces the Twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution, which sets a two-term limit for any individual serving as President of the United States. It directly addresses and prohibits Donald Trump from seeking another term as President, referencing several instances between March 3, 2018, and February 20, 2025, where he publicly suggested or entertained the possibility of serving more than two terms.
Enforcing the Rules
The core of this legislation is a straightforward reaffirmation of existing law. The Twenty-second Amendment, ratified in 1951, clearly states that no person can be elected to the office of the President more than twice. This bill points out that this limit applies to terms served "in the aggregate," meaning a total of two terms, whether consecutive or not. By naming Donald Trump specifically, the bill aims to eliminate any ambiguity about his eligibility for future presidential runs, given his past comments.
Real-World Implications
For everyday Americans, this bill reinforces the established rules of the democratic process. Whether you're a cashier, a coder, or a construction worker, the peaceful and predictable transfer of power is fundamental. This legislation ensures that the rules apply equally to everyone, regardless of their past positions or public statements. It’s about ensuring that the guardrails of the presidency, as defined by the Constitution, remain firmly in place.
Potential Challenges
While the bill itself simply reiterates existing constitutional law, its specific focus on Donald Trump could invite legal challenges. Arguments might arise around the interpretation of the Twenty-second Amendment, or other legal technicalities. However, the bill's authors seem to be preparing for such challenges by directly citing the amendment and emphasizing its applicability to all individuals, including former presidents. It remains to be seen whether this will prevent a protracted legal battle, but the bill's intent is clear: to uphold the two-term limit without exception.
Bigger Picture
This bill serves as a reminder of the checks and balances built into the American system of government. While it directly affects one individual, its broader purpose is to reinforce the principles of constitutional governance. The bill is not about a particular party or politician, but about the rules that everyone must follow, to keep the process fair for all citizens, no matter who they are or what they do.