1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

The attempt by President Trump to seek an unconstitutional third term is a direct attack on the foundations of American democracy and the rule of law. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution explicitly prohibits any person from being elected president more than twice, reflecting the fundamental principle that no one should wield unlimited executive power. Trump's statements that "there are methods" to circumvent this amendment and his explicit refusal to rule out pursuing a third term are deeply alarming and unacceptable in a democratic society. This represents a dangerous escalation of Trump's repeated efforts to undermine democratic norms and institutions. His claims of electoral fraud and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results demonstrated a willingness to reject the will of the people. Now, by openly entertaining strategies to illegally extend his time in office, he is putting his own authoritarian ambitions above his sworn duty to uphold the Constitution. We must take clear and decisive action to defend American democracy from this existential threat. Congress must condemn Trump's anti-democratic rhetoric in the strongest possible terms and take steps to hold him accountable through censure or impeachment if he persists down this destructive path. The Justice Department should also investigate whether any specific efforts to illegally secure a third term would constitute criminal violations. And all Americans of good conscience, regardless of party, must make their voices heard in rejecting this abhorrent attack on the bedrock principles enshrined in the Constitution.