Last year, former President Donald Trump caused widespread panic among the media and Democrats when he argued he wanted to be a dictator…just for a day. He said at the time he wanted to “drill, drill, drill” and “close the border.” There was nothing nefarious in his reasoning, but that didn’t stop the panic among media outlets obsessed with the threat to democracy they claim the 45th president poses. For days, headlines warned about his possible “authoritarian takeover” and questioned whether his remarks were a joke, a threat, or a promise.
Now, comments the former president made speaking to the National Rifle Association on Saturday are sure to reignite similar concerns among leftists.
“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?” he asked the crowd. “Are we three term or two term if we win?”
Some attendees could be heard responding “three!”
While his comments already triggered the political left, he said last month he has no intention of trying to abolish the 22nd Amendment, which bars individuals from being elected to the presidency more than two times.
Trump says he wants to violate the Constitution by running for a third term pic.twitter.com/VhTYFJcReB
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) May 18, 2024
“I wouldn't be in favor of a challenge [to the 22nd Amendment],” he told TIME. “Not for me. 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.”
Still, conservatives pointed out he wasn't even making the case for pursuing a third term, but rather was referring to his 2020 election dispute.