Donald Trump Third Term Would Throw Country 'Into Chaos'—Lawyer

Newsweek - Mar 31st, 2025

In a recent interview with NBC News, former President Donald Trump suggested that there are methods allowing him to serve a third term, despite the constitutional prohibition outlined in the 22nd Amendment. This assertion has sparked discussions and warnings about a potential constitutional crisis. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, stated that such an attempt would lead to major political instability, as Trump lacks the necessary votes in Congress or the states to repeal the amendment. Rahmani highlighted that even the conservative Supreme Court would likely uphold the ban on a third term, suggesting that any move to circumvent this law could incite chaos.

This discussion has opened debates on the interpretation of the 12th Amendment, which could potentially allow Trump to run as vice president. Legal experts like Stephen Gillers from New York University argue that the term "ineligible" in the amendment might refer to basic presidential qualifications, which Trump meets. Despite these legal uncertainties, Trump emphasized that he is currently focused on his existing presidential term and has not made any decisions regarding a potential third term. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding Trump's political maneuvers and their implications for U.S. governance.

Donald Trump Pam Bondi 22nd Amendment Third Term Constitutional Crisis Neama Rahmani Nbc News Interview Stephen Gillers

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the potential for Donald Trump to seek a third presidential term, exploring the constitutional and legal challenges involved. It effectively uses expert opinions to clarify complex legal issues, contributing to its accuracy and readability. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to enhance its balance and engagement. The potential for controversy is high, given the topic's implications for U.S. governance and political norms. Overall, the article is a well-structured and informative piece that addresses significant public interest, though it could be improved with more diverse viewpoints and greater transparency in the presentation of legal interpretations.

Accuracy

The story accurately references Trump's comments about considering a third term, which align with his statements in the NBC interview. The article correctly identifies the constitutional barrier posed by the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. However, the claim about Trump's assertion of having methods to achieve a third term lacks specific details, making it difficult to verify. The interpretation of the 12th Amendment regarding eligibility for vice presidency is presented, but the article does not explore the full spectrum of legal opinions on this matter, which could affect the accuracy of the claims.

Balance

The article provides perspectives from legal experts like Neama Rahmani and Stephen Gillers, offering a balanced view on the constitutional implications of a third term. However, it primarily focuses on the potential legal challenges and lacks viewpoints from political analysts or Trump's supporters, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics involved. The article could benefit from including a broader range of perspectives to avoid potential bias.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information from Trump's comments to expert analyses. The language is straightforward, making the complex legal issues accessible to a general audience. However, some sections, such as the legal loopholes, could be more clearly explained to avoid potential confusion among readers unfamiliar with constitutional law.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, and Stephen Gillers, a law professor, which enhances the reliability of the information presented. However, the story relies heavily on Newsweek and lacks direct quotes or statements from Trump's camp or other political figures, which could provide a more rounded view of the situation. The inclusion of more diverse sources could improve the article's credibility.

Transparency

The article is somewhat transparent in its presentation of facts and expert opinions. It discloses the context of Trump's comments and the legal interpretations of the 22nd and 12th Amendments. However, the methodology behind the legal interpretations and the selection of experts is not fully explained, which could affect the reader's understanding of the basis for the claims made. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility.