Can Trump Run For A Fourth Term? US President’s 'Record Numbers' Remark Sparks Debate

Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 12:13 IST

Trump's latest Truth Social post revived speculation that he is counting his current presidency as a continuation rather than a second term.

US President Donald Trump during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. (IMAGE: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has once again sparked debate after publicly floating the idea of seeking a fourth term in office, a suggestion that directly contradicts constitutional limits on presidential tenures.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Record numbers all over the place! Should I try for a fourth term?" reviving speculation that he is counting his current presidency as a continuation rather than a second term.

The Republican leader, now 79, has repeatedly hinted at extending his time in office beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms.

In recent years, he has shared AI-generated images and campaign-style visuals referencing “Trump 2028," including merchandise and staged photos suggesting another run after the next election cycle.

Trump has appeared to treat the 2020 election, won by Democrat Joe Biden, as an interruption rather than a definitive end to his presidency, effectively framing his current tenure as a third term.

What The Constitution Allows

Trump’s remarks run counter to the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution, which clearly limits presidents to two elected terms.

The amendment also restricts individuals who serve more than two years of another president’s term from being elected more than once.

Trump first assumed office in 2017 and completed a full four-year term before returning to the White House, placing him squarely within the two-term limit defined by law.

Approval Ratings

Despite Trump’s claims of soaring public support, recent opinion polls suggest a more challenging political landscape.

An Associated Press–NORC survey conducted in early January among over 1,200 adults found that roughly four in ten respondents approve of Trump’s performance as president.

About half said he is focused on the wrong priorities, while only a small fraction believed he is addressing the country’s most pressing concerns.

On economic management, approval remains subdued. Just over a third of respondents backed Trump’s handling of the economy, with a majority saying his policies have worsened the cost of living.

Only a minority felt his approach had improved household finances.

Views on immigration and foreign policy were similarly mixed to negative. Approval of his immigration policies has dropped sharply compared to earlier in the year, while a majority of Americans disapproved of his foreign policy decisions, including the use of military force abroad.

A separate New York Times/Siena College poll of registered voters conducted mid-January painted a similar picture. Only 40 percent approved of Trump’s leadership, while a plurality said the country is worse off than it was a year ago.

On affordability, more than half of respondents said Trump’s policies have made daily life more expensive.

Fewer than one-third rated the current economy as good or excellent, though that figure marked a modest improvement from earlier months.

The survey also found widespread opposition to Trump’s tariff policies, with a majority saying he is focused on the wrong issues.

Trump Threatens Legal Action

Following the release of the NYT/Siena poll, Trump lashed out at the publication, accusing it of spreading falsehoods. He said the poll would be included in a lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming the paper had engaged in what he described as “radical left lies."

The renewed legal threat underscores Trump’s increasingly confrontational response to unfavourable polling, even as questions grow around his remarks on extending his presidency beyond constitutional limits.

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