DONALD Trump is the first president to win non-consecutive US elections since Grover Cleveland in 1893.
But after his second term in office comes to an end in 2029, can Trump run to be Commander-in-Chief again?
APTrump will start his second term as president in January 2025[/caption]
AlamyIt will be the former reality TV star and property mogul’s second term in office[/caption]
Presidential term limits
The United States Constitution, through the 22nd Amendment, sets clear limits on how many terms a person can serve as President.
According to this amendment, “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice”.
This means that an individual can serve as president for a maximum of two elected terms.
The amendment was ratified in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s four-term presidency, which prompted concerns about prolonged presidential tenures.
It took four years for the 22nd Amendment to be approved, however.
Historical context
The two-term limit aims to prevent any single individual from holding too much power for an extended period.
It ensures there is a regular opportunity for political change and leadership renewal.
This principle is rooted in historical concerns about dictatorship and authoritarian rule.
This framework is designed to ensure that no person can dominate the executive branch beyond two terms, preserving the democratic structure intended by the US Constitution.
It allows enough time for a president to implement policies, but prevents their indefinite reelection.
Donald Trump’s eligibility
Donald Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021.
Following his victory in the 2024 Presidential Election, he is due to serve another four years between 2025 and 2029.
At the end of his second presidency, he will have reached the constitutional limit of two terms in office.
Consequently, he would not be eligible to run for president again in any future elections.
AFPTrump was joined on stage by his wife Melania and son Barron after delivering his victory speech[/caption]
The restriction is clear: no individual can be elected more than twice, regardless of whether those terms are consecutive or non-consecutive.
Aside from the laws surrounding a third term in office, Trump is currently 78 years old.
Trump questioned ‘Sleepy’ Joe Biden’s mental acuity in relation to his age, which is 81 — a year younger than trump would be if he were allowed to seek a third term.
Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election against Kamala Harris, he can serve another four-year term as president, bringing his total service to two terms.
After completing his second term, he will be constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency again due to the limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment.