New York, NY – Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ignited a political firestorm on May 20, 2025, by suggesting that former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton could run for third terms if President Donald Trump attempts to bypass constitutional limits to seek another term in 2028. Speaking at New York’s 92nd Street Y to promote her latest book, Clinton’s remarks, met with audience cheers, framed the idea as a counter to speculation about Trump’s ambitions, raising questions about the 22nd Amendment and the future of U.S. electoral norms.
Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, made the comments during an interview with Margaret Hoover, who referenced chatter about Trump running again despite the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit. “Listen to what Trump says. He telegraphs everything,” Clinton said, suggesting his criticisms often mirror his own intentions. “The best response might be for Barack and Bill to run too—I mean, OK, take your choice! If we’re breaking the Constitution, give people a choice!” Her quip, reported by Fox News, drew applause but also sharp backlash.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms, explicitly states, “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Trump, now in his second non-consecutive term, has fueled speculation with vague comments, like those at a May NRA meeting, hinting at a three-term presidency. However, he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” he’s “not joking” but isn’t actively pursuing it, citing constitutional barriers. Legal experts, like NYU’s Stephen Gillers, note potential loopholes, such as Trump running as vice president or leveraging the 25th Amendment, though these remain untested and face 12th Amendment hurdles.
Clinton’s remarks drew mixed reactions. On X, users like
@Red__Queendom and
@DeansherryS amplified the story, with some, like
@Freestateman1, dismissing her as “irrelevant.” Others, like
@TheGabriel72, mocked the idea as a doomed “Clinton-Obama remix.” Republicans, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), rejected third-term talk, insisting constitutional changes require two-thirds congressional approval and ratification by 38 states—a near-impossible feat. Democrats, meanwhile, saw Clinton’s comments as a playful jab rather than a serious proposal, with Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) praising her for highlighting Trump’s rhetoric.
Critics argue Clinton’s suggestion risks normalizing constitutional overreach. The Heritage Foundation’s Hans von Spakovsky called it “dangerous hyperbole,” noting that Obama and Bill Clinton, having served consecutive terms, are explicitly barred from further elections, unlike Trump, whose non-consecutive terms align with a resolution by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) to allow three terms but exclude consecutive-term presidents. Ogles’ proposal, introduced in January, is widely seen as a partisan stunt unlikely to pass.
Clinton’s history of third-term advocacy—she supported Bill running again in 2000 and 2011—adds context, though her latest remarks seem more rhetorical than actionable. As Trump focuses on his current term, the debate underscores deep political divides, with Clinton’s provocative stance reigniting discussions about constitutional integrity and electoral fairness.
