Attorney General Pam Bondi made a bold statement on Fox News this Sunday, saying she wishes President Donald Trump could serve for “20 years,” but she believes his presidency will likely end after his second term.
During an interview with Shannon Bream, Bondi was asked about Trump’s frequent comments hinting at a possible third term. Bondi responded, saying, “I wish we could have him for 20 years as our president, but I think he’s gonna be finished probably after this term.”
When Bream pressed Bondi on why she used the word “probably,” Bondi explained, “We’d have to look at the constitution.”
Trump has often joked about staying in office longer than the Constitution allows. Last week, he even told NBC News, “There are methods which you can use” to remain in power beyond 2028. But despite his comments, even Trump’s closest allies aren’t taking his remarks seriously. Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently dismissed the idea, saying Trump is just “having some fun with it” and “probably messing with you.”
Though Trump has continued to make light of the idea of a third term, his critics remain concerned, especially after his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and his support for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Despite the controversy, Trump has repeatedly stated that his current term will be his last. As things stand, a third term would violate the Constitution, but Trump’s musings seem to be more about keeping his base engaged as his second term draws to a close.
Senator Bernie Sanders, also asked about Trump’s plans, was blunt: “They don’t believe in the rule of law. They don’t believe in the Constitution. So, yeah, I would take that seriously.”
In the same interview, Bondi also discussed mass deportations and her efforts to pursue the death penalty for Luigi Mangione in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
For the full interview, you can watch below. (Trump’s third term comments start at the 9:18 mark).
