State & Fed Leaders: Stand Against Autocracy & Third Term for Trump

This letter is for both state and federal elected officials. Defending democracy is not just a federal responsibility—state leaders must also speak out and act. Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of seeking a third term are not just dangerous—they’re unconstitutional. The 22nd Amendment clearly states that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. Trump’s flirtation with a third term is part of a broader pattern of undermining the rule of law and our democratic norms. Former cabinet officials have consistently sounded the alarm. His first Defense Secretary, James Mattis, warned that Trump “tries to divide us” and shows contempt for democratic values. Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said Trump “doesn’t even know what the Constitution is.” Bill Barr, his former Attorney General, called Trump “a man who will burn down the system to get what he wants.” These are not partisan critiques—these are people who worked directly with him and saw his behavior up close. Scholars of democracy like Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Yascha Mounk have long pointed out that attempts to erode term limits and consolidate personal power are hallmarks of authoritarian regimes. Trump’s praise of dictators, pardon of violent insurrectionists, and escalating threats to federal agencies align with this global pattern. Trump has attacked every constitutional limit placed on his power. It’s time for our elected officials—state and federal—to stand together and publicly oppose any plan to extend Trump’s grip on power. Make it clear that no president is above the Constitution. The Constitution is only as strong as those who are willing to defend it.