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Trump at NRA convention floats a three-term presidency |
Former President Donald Trump recently suggested at the NRA convention that he
could serve a third term, a proposal that stirred considerable controversy. This
idea is not new for Trump; he had floated similar notions during his 2020
campaign, hinting at the possibility of extending his time in office beyond the
constitutional limit of two terms. These comments have provided ammunition for
the Biden campaign, which uses them to depict Trump as a threat to democratic
norms and institutions.
However, Trump has publicly dismissed the idea of seeking a third term. In an
interview with Time magazine in April 2024, he explicitly stated his opposition to
challenging the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. Trump
asserted, "I wouldn’t be in favor of it at all. I intend to serve four years and do a
great job. And I want to bring our country back. I want to put it back on the right
track. Our country is going down. We’re a failing nation right now. We’re a nation in
turmoil"
During his recent speech in Dallas, Trump addressed a crowd of gun rights
supporters at the NRA convention, touching on various issues beyond just gun
rights and the Second Amendment. He discussed immigration, foreign policy, the
economy, and abortion, while also taking the opportunity to criticize figures like
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he labeled as "radical left," and continuing his attacks
on President Joe Biden and CNN regarding the debates
This speech coincided with a critical period in Trump’s legal battles, as his criminal
trial in New York nears its conclusion. With closing arguments expected soon,
Trump faces the possibility of being convicted or acquitted on charges related to a
2016 hush money scheme. Throughout his speech, Trump railed against the
indictments and the gag order issued by Justice Juan Merchan, expressing his
frustration with the legal proceedings against him
Trump's appearance at the NRA convention also highlighted the organization's
ongoing support for him, despite both Trump and the NRA facing significant legal
challenges. The NRA, which had previously spent over $30 million to support
Trump’s 2016 campaign, endorsed him once again for his 2024 bid. However, the
financial and legal troubles of the NRA raise questions about how much support
they can realistically offer this time around
In summary, Trump’s recent comments about a three-term presidency, although
dismissed by him as unlikely, continue to fuel political debate and serve as a
rallying point for both his supporters and critics. His speech at the NRA convention
underscored his ongoing influence in the political landscape, even as he faces
significant legal challenges.