Trump Suggests "Let's Go for a Third Term" to Macron
Constitutionally, a Third Consecutive Term Is Not Allowed... Trump Says "There Are Ways"
It has been reported that U.S. President Donald Trump suggested to French President Emmanuel Macron that they both pursue a third term in office.
According to Yonhap News, citing the major French daily Le Figaro, President Trump told President Macron, "You and I will serve a third term," as reported on July 26.
Le Figaro stated that this anecdote was relayed by writer Emmanuel Carrere, who heard it from Emmanuel Bonne, the chief diplomatic advisor at the Elysee Palace. While the specific time and place were not mentioned, it was said that Trump made this remark while patting Macron on the shoulder.
Donald Trump, President of the United States (right), and Emmanuel Macron, President of France Photo by Yonhap News
Trump's comment is interpreted as expressing his intention not merely for a second term, but for a third term as president.
Under the U.S. Constitution, a president cannot serve three consecutive terms. However, Trump has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of running again in the 2028 presidential election. In a March interview with NBC, he asserted, "Many people want me to run again, and there are ways to make it possible," emphasizing, "This is not a joke."
On the official online store 'Trump Store,' items such as T-shirts and hats emblazoned with 'TRUMP 2028' are already being sold, and there have been attempts to bolster the possibility of his third term. After the launch of the second Trump administration, Republican Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee even proposed a constitutional amendment to allow a president to serve three terms.
Meanwhile, in French political circles, the possibility of President Macron remaining in power for an extended period has also been consistently discussed. The current French constitution prohibits running for three consecutive terms, so Macron cannot run in the 2027 presidential election. However, it is legally possible for him to run again after a certain period. As a result, some analyses suggest that he could potentially run in the 2032 presidential election.
In an interview with France's TF1 broadcast in May, Macron stated, "I will consider what to do after my current term is over when the time comes." Earlier this month, at a youth party member event, he made a suggestive remark, saying, "You will need me in two years, in five years, and in ten years."
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