Legally speaking, no. Since 1951, the Twenty-Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has strictly limited presidents to two terms. But how did we get here? And has anyone ever tested this rule? This post explores both the law and the politics of presidential term limits.
Though the original Constitution placed no cap on presidential terms, George Washington set a powerful precedent by stepping down after two terms in 1796. His voluntary exit solidified a political norm followed by almost all successors for over 150 years--until Franklin D. Roosevelt came along.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times, leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II. While his leadership during crisis was valued, his unprecedented tenure alarmed many Americans. His extended presidency directly triggered the ratification of the 22nd Amendment, which now legally limits presidents to two terms.
The amendment clearly states: "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." It also accounts for successors--such as a vice president taking over mid-term--by limiting the total time in office to roughly ten years in certain cases. Since 1951, no president has served more than two terms, and the law has never been tested in court.
Some constitutional scholars have debated whether a former two-term president could return to office via succession--as Vice President or Speaker of the House. While technically not explicitly prohibited, such routes are seen as violating the spirit of the law and would likely face fierce legal and political backlash.
From 1956 to the 2000s, Congress introduced over 50 proposals to repeal or change the 22nd Amendment. None succeeded. Even popular presidents like Reagan, Clinton, and Obama saw no serious momentum to change the law. Most recently, a 2025 proposal aimed to allow a third non-consecutive term--clearly crafted for Donald Trump--but it went nowhere.
Even beyond the legal hurdles, the idea of a third term faces four major roadblocks:
The legal, historical, and political answer is clear: no U.S. president can serve a third term under current law. Any effort to change that faces towering obstacles--from public skepticism to constitutional rigidity. The two-term limit isn't just a rule; it's a cornerstone of how Americans guard against the dangers of concentrated power.