Special Poll
Former President Donald Trump playfully suggested the possibility of a third presidential term during his speech at the National Rifle Association (NRA) convention on Saturday.
While addressing a crowd of gun rights enthusiasts, Trump referenced Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency, musing, “You know, FDR 16 years — almost 16 years — he was four terms. I don’t know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term?” Some attendees responded enthusiastically with shouts of “Three.”
Trump’s remarks about extending his presidency have surfaced before, notably during his 2020 campaign trail. These comments continue to fuel the Biden campaign’s criticisms, depicting Trump as a challenger to democratic norms.
However, Trump has more recently dismissed the idea of seeking a third term, which would violate the constitutional limit set by the 22nd Amendment. In an April interview with Time magazine, Trump stated his opposition to amending this rule, asserting, “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 nation in turmoil.”
During his wide-ranging speech in Dallas, Trump touched on various topics including immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and abortion, and took the opportunity to criticize Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as “radical left,” while also attacking Biden and CNN regarding the debates.
As Trump’s ongoing criminal trial in New York nears its conclusion, with closing arguments expected soon, he vented his frustration about the indictments and a gag order from Justice Juan Merchan, hinting at significant developments in his legal battles by next week.
Trump also noted the enduring support of the NRA, which has backed him since May 2016 and played a substantial role in his previous electoral campaign. On Saturday, the NRA endorsed him once again despite the legal challenges both he and the organization currently face. This raises questions about the NRA’s potential financial support for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Highlighting the importance of voter turnout among gun owners, Trump urged, “Let’s be rebellious and vote this time, OK?”
Trump’s speech, marking his ninth address to the nation’s leading gun lobby, aimed to rally his core supporters—a crucial group for fundraising. His first term saw significant achievements favored by the gun lobby, including the appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices and the designation of gun and ammunition retailers as critical infrastructure during the Covid pandemic.