Donald Trump's Third Term Speculation and Comparisons to Viktor Orbán's Hungary

Trump's Third Term Ambitions

• ❓ A reporter asked President Trump about the possibility of a third term, specifically if former President Barack Obama were to run against him.
• 🗣️ Trump expressed amusement at the hypothetical scenario, stating he "loved that one" and that people are asking him to run for a third term, though he claims to have not looked into the legalities.
• 📜 The 22nd Amendment clearly states no person shall be elected President more than twice, but Trump supporters highlight the word "elected."

Hypothetical Scenarios for Trump's Return

• 🚀 Some supporters, like JD Vance, have imagined scenarios where Vance runs for president and Trump becomes his running mate, with Vance then resigning to hand the presidency back to Trump.
• ⚖️ However, the 12th Amendment might prevent Trump from being a running mate if he is constitutionally ineligible for the presidency.
• 🏛️ Even if a VP resigns, the 25th Amendment requires Congressional approval for a new VP, potentially including Trump.
• 🇨🇭 Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated Trump cannot serve another term without a constitutional change, which is a difficult process requiring supermajorities in Congress and state ratification.
• 📢 Steve Bannon expressed a desire for "Trump in 28" and suggested working on the Constitution or finding a way to "slip through there."

Comparison to Viktor Orbán's Hungary

• 🇭🇺 Anne Applebaum discusses how MAGA leaders admire Hungarian autocratic leader Viktor Orbán for his ability to stay in power after being democratically elected.
• 🏛️ Orbán is described as having undermined and reshaped Hungarian institutions, including the judiciary, media, and universities, to ensure he would not lose future elections.
• 📉 Applebaum highlights the negative impact of Orbán's rule on Hungary, noting it has become one of the poorest and stagnating countries in the EU with poor healthcare and education.
• 💰 A significant portion of Hungary's economy is dominated by companies with direct links to Orbán and his family members, operating through crony relationships rather than normal business practices.
• 🌍 The deterioration of the rule of law in Hungary has scared off foreign investment, leading to corruption and political pressure that hinders business operations.