Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, plans to introduce a resolution explicitly stating that former President Donald Trump cannot serve a third term, despite existing limits under the 22nd Amendment. The amendment, ratified in 1951, restricts U.S. presidents to two terms, whether consecutive or not.
Goldman’s proposal seeks to affirm that Trump, having already served one full term, cannot run for another. While the 22nd Amendment already provides this restriction, Goldman’s resolution is a proactive measure to underscore that it applies to Trump and that no additional term would be constitutionally permissible.
The resolution references comments Trump has made over the years that jokingly or indirectly suggest he could pursue a third term or even stay in office indefinitely. Trump, known for his provocative remarks, has hinted on various occasions at scenarios where he could continue to serve as president beyond the two-term limit.
For instance, he recently joked after a House Republican meeting, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we’ve got to figure something else.’” Goldman’s resolution highlights these remarks as reasons to clarify the 22nd Amendment’s applicability to Trump specifically, reflecting concerns among some lawmakers over Trump’s rhetoric and the influence it may have.
Rep. Goldman Pushes Resolution Affirming Trump’s Ineligibility for Third Term Under 22nd Amendment
Even though Goldman is putting forth this resolution, it is unlikely to progress easily in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Typically, the majority party has significant control over which resolutions come to the floor for a vote.
However, Goldman may have an option to bring the resolution up for a vote by introducing it as a “privileged resolution,” a procedural move that would mandate a vote and potentially force members to go on record about Trump’s eligibility for another term. This maneuver is sometimes used for issues of perceived high importance, especially if the typical voting process would likely block it.
Goldman’s resolution, while unlikely to alter the clear terms of the 22nd Amendment, serves as a symbolic statement to address Trump’s recent statements and to emphasize the strict interpretation of the two-term limit.
It underscores concerns within parts of Congress about Trump’s influence and messaging on presidential norms, especially in the context of his ongoing political involvement and current presidential campaign.
This resolution illustrates how some Democratic lawmakers are taking additional measures to prevent any ambiguities about term limits for former presidents, even if those actions are largely symbolic in a Republican-led House.
