"He's going to have a third term": Bannon tells Maher Trump is sticking around in 2028

Salon - Apr 13th, 2025
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Steve Bannon, a close associate of Donald Trump, made headlines during his appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher" by asserting that Trump will run for and win a third presidential term, claiming that Trump will be inaugurated again in 2029. Bannon's bold statement came despite the clear constitutional barrier posed by the 22nd Amendment, which limits the presidency to two terms. Bill Maher challenged Bannon by reading the amendment aloud, emphasizing its explicit restriction. Bannon, however, dismissed Maher's concerns, suggesting that Trump's team is exploring ways to circumvent this constitutional hurdle.

The conversation around a potential third term for Trump touches on broader themes of constitutional interpretation and political ambition. Trump's own remarks on the subject—indicating a desire to continue serving—have sparked debate and criticism, highlighting the tension between personal political aspirations and established legal frameworks. Bannon's comments may further fuel political and public discourse regarding the boundaries of presidential power and the role of the Constitution in safeguarding democratic principles. As Trump continues to wield significant influence within the Republican Party, these discussions remain significant in shaping future political landscapes.

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RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a provocative topic with potential implications for American politics and constitutional law. It effectively captures reader interest through the controversial claim of a third Trump term and includes multiple perspectives by featuring both Bannon's assertions and Maher's skepticism. However, the lack of authoritative sources and evidence to support Bannon's claims detracts from its accuracy and credibility. The article's sensational tone may influence reader perception, but its clear structure and timely subject matter ensure it remains engaging and relevant. Overall, while the piece succeeds in sparking discussion, its impact is limited by the absence of verifiable information and expert analysis.

RATING DETAILS

5
Accuracy

The story presents a mix of factual information and speculative claims. It accurately reports Steve Bannon's statements about Donald Trump potentially running for a third term and the constitutional limitations outlined by the 22nd Amendment. However, the claims about Trump's intentions and the existence of a 'team' working to circumvent these limitations are speculative and lack verifiable evidence. The article does not provide concrete sources or documentation to support Bannon's assertions about legal strategies to bypass the 22nd Amendment.

6
Balance

The story attempts to present multiple perspectives by including both Bannon's statements and Bill Maher's skepticism. However, it leans towards sensationalism by focusing heavily on the controversial claim of a third Trump term without exploring other viewpoints or expert opinions on the constitutional implications. The lack of input from constitutional scholars or legal experts creates an imbalance in the presentation of the topic.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it easy to follow. The narrative is straightforward, detailing the exchange between Bannon and Maher. However, the tone at times veers towards sensationalism, particularly in the presentation of Bannon's claims. This could affect the reader's perception of the seriousness of the constitutional issues discussed.

4
Source quality

The primary sources in the article are Steve Bannon and Bill Maher, both of whom have clear biases. Bannon is a known Trump ally, while Maher is a television host with a history of opposing Trump. The article does not reference any independent or authoritative sources, such as constitutional experts or legal analysts, to provide a more balanced and credible perspective on the claims made.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of the basis for Bannon's claims about Trump's potential third term. It does not disclose any sources or evidence supporting the existence of a 'team' working on legal strategies. While it transparently reports Maher's interaction with Bannon, it fails to provide context or background on the constitutional challenges mentioned, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the situation.

Sources

  1. https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-is-going-to-run-for-third-term-and-is-going-to-win-bannon-insists-to-bill-maher-on-january-20-2029-hes-gonna-be-president/