Trump jokes about seeking an unprecedented third term as president

President-elect Donald Trump joked about running for an unprecedented third term – which is prohibited by the US Constitution – during his triumphant return to Washington, DC.

Before meeting with President Joe Biden on Wednesday morning, Trump delivered remarks to House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.

‘I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say “He’s so good, we have to figure it out,”‘ he said, prompting laughter from some supporters.

Trump told lawmakers that he had just run his last campaign unless they ‘do something’.

American presidents are limited to two terms as enshrined in the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution.

Afterward, several Republican lawmakers brushed off Trump’s apparent joke.

‘That was a joke. It was clearly a joke,’ said Rep Tim Burchett, according to The Hill.

‘I leaned over to somebody beside me, (Rep) Andy Biggs, and I said, that’ll be the headlines tomorrow. “Trump trying to thwart the Constitution,’ which – there’s nothing further from the truth.’

Rep Troy Nehls said: ‘Are you kidding me? Just stop stop it.’

Trump said that some House Republicans won seats on his coattails but recognized that the GOP will have a narrow majority in the chamber.

‘Are you looking at five or four? Doesn’t matter, we got used to one for a little while,’ he said, referring to Republicans’ razor-thin majority over the past year,’ he said.

‘When you can get used to one, you can get used to anything.’

Elon Musk, hours being appointed by Trump to lead the new Office of Government Efficiency, accompanied the president-elect and listened to his remarks.

Trump landed in Washington, DC, for a historic meeting with Biden after he and Vice President Kamala Harris promised to ensure a peaceful transition.

Biden issued the invitation to Trump four years after the 45th president did not extend the same courtesy to his successor while continuing to claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

Around 11am, Trump’s motorcade made its way to the White House.

The two presidents shook hands during the cozy meeting with a fireplace running and acted cordial after a high tensions election in which Trump repeatedly bashed Biden and the president called MAGA fans ‘garbage’.

‘Well Mr President-elect, Donald, congratulations,’ said Biden before a crowd of reporters.

‘Looking forward to having a, like we said, a smooth transition. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated, what you need… Welcome, welcome back.’

Trump replied: ‘Politics is tough. In many cases is it not a nice world but it is a nice world today.’

The president-elect thanked Biden and addressed the transition.

‘It will be as smooth as it can get and I very much appreciate that, Joe,’ Trump said.

Biden smiled and said, ‘You’re welcome.’

The two then looked on as reporters shouted questions. Trump held a serious face as Biden smiled widely. Trump eventually smirked and smiled and said something inaudible to Biden.

Earlier on Wednesday, his wife Melania Trump’s office broke silence on reports that she would not be partaking in tea with First Lady Jill Biden that has been transition of power tradition for decades.

‘Mrs Trump will not be attending today’s meeting at the White House. Her husband’s return to the Oval Office to commence the transition process is encouraging, and she wishes him great success,’ wrote her office on X (formerly Twitter).

‘In this instance, several unnamed sources in the media continue to provide false, misleading, and inaccurate information. Be discerning with your source of news.’

Trump has already made numerous appointments to his Cabinet ahead of Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025.

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