Former White House strategist Steve Bannon has stunned political observers by claiming there’s a concrete plan in place to help Donald Trump secure a third term in the White House, despite the U.S. Constitution’s clear two-term limit. In an interview with The Economist, Bannon insisted that Trump will be president again in 2028, brushing off concerns about the 22nd Amendment and hinting that alternative routes to power are being explored. The remarks have reignited fears about authoritarian ambitions within Trump’s inner circle and raised constitutional alarm bells across Washington.
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Bannon’s Bold Prediction
In his conversation with The Economist, Bannon confidently declared, “He’s gonna get a third term, Trump ’28, Trump is gonna be president ’28, so people just ought to get accommodated with that.” His remarks shocked many, as they appeared to directly challenge one of the most established constitutional boundaries in U.S. politics—the 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidents to two terms in office.
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Defying Constitutional Limits
When pressed by editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes about how Trump could overcome this restriction, Bannon cryptically replied, “There are many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is, but there’s a plan and President Trump will be the president in ’28.” His refusal to elaborate on these so-called “alternatives” has only deepened speculation about what strategies may be under consideration. The White House has not yet commented on Bannon’s remarks.
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Citing Past Victories
Bannon compared Trump’s potential 2028 bid to his previous electoral upsets. “He had longer odds in ’16 and longer odds in ’24 than he does looking ahead at the 2028 election,” Bannon argued, adding, “The country needs him to be President of the United States. We have to finish what we started.” The former strategist’s remarks appear to frame Trump’s political mission as an unfinished movement rather than a conventional presidency.
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‘Instrument of Divine Will’
Despite acknowledging that Trump is not “churchy” or “particularly religious,” Bannon described the former president as “an instrument of divine will,” suggesting a spiritual dimension to his leadership. “You can tell this from how he’s pulled this off,” Bannon said, implying that Trump’s political resilience is proof of a higher purpose. Such language reflects a growing messianic tone among parts of Trump’s base and his inner circle.
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Trump’s Own Hints
Trump himself has frequently floated the idea of a third term, often blurring the line between humor and serious intent. On Sunday, he posted a video to Truth Social showing him ruling not just through 2032 but “forever.” While such posts are often dismissed as trolling, they reinforce concerns that Trump is testing public reaction to openly defying term limits.
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Hints of Legal Loopholes
In a March interview with NBC News, Trump hinted that “a lot of people” wanted him to pursue a third term and suggested there “are methods which you could do it.” When asked about possible tactics, including one scenario where Vice President JD Vance could run for president and then hand the role back to Trump, he said, “That’s one, but there are others, too,” declining to elaborate further.
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Scholars Warn of Constitutional Gaps
Constitutional experts have cautioned against assuming that the 22nd Amendment provides absolute protection against an extended Trump presidency. Harvard law scholar Laurence Tribe warned on X, “Anyone discounting a 3d Trump term per the 22d am + the 12th am is thinking magically.” He explained, “The 22d doesn’t bar serving a 3rd term, only being elected 3 times. The 12th Amendment doesn’t bar running for VP unless one is ‘ineligible’ to serve as President, but Trump isn’t ineligible. QED!” Such interpretations, though controversial, suggest potential vulnerabilities in the constitutional framework.