International Retreat: Stepping Back to Move Forward

• •A third-term bid reshapes America’s reputation as a model of constitutional compliance

For many years, the United States of America took pride in being seen as the epitome of constitutional compliance within democratic practices. It portrayed itself as a champion of due process norms and reverence for term limits in elected offices, frequently criticizing leaders in regions such as Africa who hold onto power with the justification that they are irreplaceable and essential for their nations' continuance.

Now, this narrative is shifting, and America appears to be following the footsteps of those very societies it once criticized—not least because of the much-heralded attempt by today’s leadership. President Donald Trump to pursue a third term in office.

The prominent aspect of libertarian culture has traveled far since just over ten years ago when ex-President Barack Obama addressed Africa regarding the threat posed by leaders who refuse to relinquish power, cautioning that the continent could not progress if numerous leaders opted to remain president indefinitely.

During his visit to the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2015 as part of a trip across several nations towards the end of his term as President, Obama addressed the organization’s 54 member states. He voiced his opinion against lifelong presidencies, stating, "It baffles me why anyone would wish to remain in power indefinitely, particularly those who possess considerable wealth." His comments seemed directed toward certain African leaders known for extending their tenures despite substantial personal fortunes.

During that event, Obama urged the AU to make sure that leaders adhere to their constitutions and relinquish power once their terms conclude. He particularly addressed the situation in Burundi, where President Pierre Nkurunziza had recently secured a contentious third-term victory. "Occasionally, you might hear some leaders claim 'I am the sole individual capable of keeping our country united,'” he stated. “If that’s the case, then such a leader hasn’t really succeeded at building their nation.” He even playfully mentioned his personal prospects for running again, despite being constitutionally ineligible. “In reality, I believe I'm quite an effective president," he remarked. “And I think if I were to run now, I would likely triumph. However, rules prevent me!"

It’s uncertain whether Obama still identifies with his home nation or if he remains critical of what he once called "the power bug" syndrome. Recently, President Trump stated that he might consider running for an unprecedented third term at the White House and made it clear this was not just a joke. Having been president from 2016 to 2020, he is currently serving another term set to last until January 2028. However, he has indicated that he hasn’t ruled out pursuing yet another term.

In a telephone interview with an American media outlet last Sunday, the president stated: "Many individuals support my decision." He then clarified, "We still have a considerable distance ahead; things are quite preliminary at this stage of our administration." When asked whether he genuinely desired another term, he replied, "I enjoy being active," emphasizing earnestly that he wasn’t jesting when discussing potentially serving a third term. However, he also noted, "It’s much too soon to consider such matters seriously now." Despite this, he highlighted his approval ratings, stating emphatically that "many people" wish for him to continue holding office into a third term.

The 22nd Amendment, added to the American constitution in 1951 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times in a row, says “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Amending the constitution to scrap the two-term limit would require either a two-thirds vote of Congress or two-thirds of the states agreeing to call a constitutional convention to propose changes. Either route would then require ratification from three-quarters of the states. It is ordinarily a long and hard road to such amendment.

But Trump gave indication of having trump cards under his sleeves. Asked whether his strategists had mapped out plans to allow him to seek a third term, he said, “There are methods by which you could do it.” The news medium prodded him on a possible scenario whereby Vice President JD Vance would run for president and then pass the role to Trump, and he responded: “That’s one method. There are others.” He declined detailing those methods, though.

There is currently a pall of silence hobbling America’s political class, suggesting that Trump might run up against only a whimper of resistance. Meanwhile, his allies are plying an advocacy. Among them, his former strategist Steve Bannon was reported saying Trump would “run and win again in 2028,” adding that the camp had “a couple of alternatives” on how he could proceed despite the two-term constitutional limit. It is just sad to see America join the rogue squad and leave the world without an ombudsman of democracy.

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