Demonstrators in multiple U.S. cities took to the streets on June 22, following President Donald Trump’s decision to authorize airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran. The strikes, which the administration described as a preemptive action to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities, sparked swift backlash—and marked one of the largest protest responses to Trump’s actions since his return to office in January.
More Americans have participated in protests so far this year than during the same period in Trump’s first term—or even during President Joe Biden’s first year in office.
Trump’s Second Term, and a Third?
President Trump, now serving a rare nonconsecutive second term, continues to stir controversy. Despite historically low approval ratings, he’s floated the idea of running for a third term—a move that would be unconstitutional under current law.
Trump was elected in 2016, lost in 2020, and returned to power by winning the 2024 election after Biden dropped out and was replaced on the Democratic ticket by Kamala Harris. Trump defeated Harris to begin his second term in January 2025.
Though the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment clearly bars any president from being elected more than twice, Trump has made vague allusions to continuing in office beyond 2029.
What Has Trump Said?
In a March 2025 interview with NBC, Trump mused about the possibility of finding a “method” to extend his time in power, even suggesting that Vice President JD Vance could run and hand the presidency back to him. But in a later May appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump downplayed those comments, saying he wasn’t pursuing a third term.
“I will say this—so many people want me to do it. I’ve never had requests so strong,” he said. “But to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do it. I don’t know if that’s constitutional or something else.”
Despite his public denial, merchandise like “Trump 2028” hats are already being sold by the Trump Organization, keeping the conversation alive.
Constitutional Limits
Under the 22nd Amendment, no person can be elected president more than twice. Changing that would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures—and ratified by three-fourths of the states. Such amendments are extremely rare.
Only one president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, ever served more than two terms. Elected four times during the Great Depression and World War II, Roosevelt’s presidency eventually prompted the passage of the 22nd Amendment, formally limiting presidential terms.
What’s Next?
As protests against Trump’s Iran strikes continue, so too does debate about his political future. Though he insists a third term isn’t on the table, the branding of “Trump 2028” and his repeated comments have kept speculation—and concern—very much alive.
