Donald Trump’s endless aspirations for power may lead to a global crises. Here is how he is likely to bulldoze his way to a third term in office, despite the strongest, most robust constitutional controls.
As the 2028 U.S. presidential election approaches, speculation about Donald Trump’s long-term political ambitions continues to dominate discussions. While the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly limits presidents to two terms, Trump’s rhetoric and past actions suggest he may seek a way around this restriction. Given his history of challenging legal norms, could his relentless pursuit of power lead to a global crisis—or even war?
Scenarios suggested in this article may play out during the president’s current term in office. With proactive risk management, common sense and careful planning, world leaders and the US congress may be able to prevent the next impending global crisis.
The Constitutional Roadblocks
The 22nd Amendment prevents anyone from being elected president more than twice. The only way to remove this restriction would be through a constitutional amendment, which requires either two-thirds of Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states. Given the current political landscape, such a change is nearly impossible.
Despite this, Trump has repeatedly hinted at his desire to remain in power beyond the traditional limits. From joking about serving “maybe 10, maybe 14 years” to openly questioning term limits, his statements have fueled concerns that he may attempt to circumvent the Constitution through alternative means.
Declaring a National Emergency
One of the most concerning possibilities is Trump—or any leader with similar ambitions—declaring a national emergency as a pretext to remain in power. History has shown that leaders often use crises to consolidate control. If faced with a manufactured or real national emergency, Trump could argue that elections should be postponed or that stability requires his continued leadership.
Potential crises that could justify such a move include:
- A major terrorist attack or domestic unrest
- Cyber warfare crippling the U.S. economy
- A global health emergency
- Heightened tensions with China, Russia, or Iran
Would Congress or the courts allow this? Likely not—but Trump has already demonstrated a willingness to challenge institutional checks and balances. His past refusal to concede defeat in 2020 and his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot show a pattern of disregarding democratic norms.
Igniting a Global Conflict
Another alarming possibility is that Trump, in an effort to justify extended power, could escalate tensions into a full-blown international conflict. War has historically been used by leaders to rally nationalistic support and suspend normal political processes.
Potential flashpoints include:
- A military standoff with China over Taiwan
- Provoking Iran into a direct confrontation
- Escalating tensions with Russia beyond Ukraine
- A nuclear standoff with North Korea
A sitting president engaged in war might argue that a change in leadership during such a critical time would be dangerous. This justification has been used before—Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to a third term during World War II before the 22nd Amendment existed. Could Trump attempt to exploit a similar situation? Given his history of aggressive foreign policy, it’s not unthinkable.
The Proxy Candidate Strategy
If Trump is unable to legally run for a third term, he could attempt to install a loyalist—someone who would act as a de facto Trump presidency. A close family member, such as Ivanka Trump, or a political ally, such as Ron DeSantis or a devoted MAGA figure, could run while Trump controls policy from behind the scenes.
This strategy is not unheard of in global politics. Vladimir Putin, for instance, swapped positions with Dmitry Medvedev in Russia to bypass term limits before returning to the presidency. Could Trump attempt a similar move? Given his tight grip on the Republican Party, such a scenario is not far-fetched.
The Global Implications
If Trump—or any leader—attempts to defy constitutional norms to stay in power, the consequences could be severe:
- Massive domestic unrest: Protests, political violence, and a constitutional crisis could erupt.
- Weakened global alliances: The U.S. could lose credibility among allies, especially NATO and the European Union.
- Financial instability: Markets could crash amid uncertainty about U.S. governance.
- Increased military tensions: Other nations may exploit the chaos, leading to unintended military conflicts.
The Thin Line Between Democracy and Crisis
While it is unlikely that Trump can legally secure a third term, his history of challenging norms and pushing boundaries suggests he may attempt unconventional methods. Whether through emergency powers, military conflict, or political maneuvering, the risk of a constitutional and global crisis is real. The 22nd Amendment remains a strong safeguard against authoritarianism, but democracy depends on the willingness of institutions—and the people—to enforce it.
Could Trump’s ambition ignite a world war? While that remains uncertain, the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for manufactured crises should not be dismissed. The world must remain vigilant against any leader—Trump or otherwise—who seeks to undermine constitutional limits for personal power.