South Carolina – Just recently, Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles suggested some constitutional changes in order to give Trump the chance to run for president again in 2028. Now, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham seems to support the notion of President Donald Trump seeking an unprecedented third term.
Social media post sparks debate
After President Trump’s long speech to a joint session of Congress, Senator Graham praised it on social media, calling it “inspiring, funny, compelling, and the Democrats’ worst nightmare.” “Trump 2028!” he said in the post, summing up his comments.
The comment comes amid ongoing debates and jokes from President Trump and some of his most powerful supporters regarding the prospect of bypassing the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which obviously restricts a president to only two terms in office. Approved in 1951 following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency, this amendment says that, “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”
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The idea of a third Trump term has been an ongoing topic among some Republican groups despite constitutional limitations. Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles recently suggested a constitutional amendment allowing President Trump to run for yet another term. Moreover, an organization with the name Third Term Project is aggressively seeking support for this constitutional amendment.
The discussion regarding a third term found artistic expression at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where The New York Times published images showing Trump as a Roman emperor with slogans like “For Trump 2028… And Beyond!” Such portrayals highlight the enthusiasm among some of Trump’s supporters for his ongoing leadership independent of constitutional limitations.
My take on President @realDonaldTrump’s address tonight: Inspiring, funny, compelling and the Democrats’ worst nightmare.
Trump 2028!
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 5, 2025
No explanation, further speculations
The first documented instance of Senator Graham utilizing the “Trump 2028” phrase on social media points to a dramatic rhetorical change. Sen. Graham’s office has remained silent since the social media post leaving the public to speculate about the seriousness of his statement.
President Trump has been outspoken about his perceived extensive presidential powers. In his divisive speech to Congress, he asserted he was “saved by God to make America great again,” a claim The New York Times claims his advisers dismiss as just mocking those who disagree with him.
This is against the backdrop of Trump’s attempts to increase executive authority, including challenges to birthright citizenship—efforts mostly blocked by federal courts.
Legal issues, presidential overreach
Indicating court obstacles on presidential overreach, the U.S. Supreme Court recently denied an administration attempt to keep blocking about $2 billion in foreign aid. Still, Trump’s casual remarks—like those at a House Republican retreat where he jokingly asked, “Am I allowed to run again?”—continue to spark debates and concerns regarding his goals and the possibility for constitutional crises.
It’s unknown if Senator Graham’s tweet was a sincere endorsement or another political theater piece. Still, it adds to the continuous discussion and, for some, fears about the direction American presidential politics and constitutional adherence are headed.
