Steve Bannon, the far-right former adviser to Donald Trump, has stirred controversy with his recent comments predicting that Trump will run for and win a third term in 2028, despite the constitutional limit of two terms for U.S. presidents.
Bannon made these remarks during an interview with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation, where he dismissed reports of his own potential presidential run and instead threw his support behind Trump.
Bannon, who served as Trump’s chief strategist during the early days of his first administration before being fired, remains a influential figure within the MAGA movement.
He has used his platform, the “War Room” podcast, to amplify far-right rhetoric and has maintained a loyal following despite his legal troubles, including a four-month prison sentence for refusing to comply with a subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol riot.
During the interview, Bannon expressed unwavering support for Trump, stating, “I’m a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again in 2028, so I’ve already endorsed President Trump.
He praised Trump as a once-in-a-century leader and suggested that Trump’s political influence would extend beyond the traditional two-term limit. When Cuomo pressed Bannon on how Trump could legally run for a third term, Bannon cryptically replied, “We’re working on it. I think we’ll have a couple of alternatives, let’s say that. We’ll see what the definition of term limit is.”
Cuomo, attempting to clarify Bannon’s intentions, asked whether his strategy involved an “insurrection” or “revolution.” Bannon avoided a direct answer, instead emphasizing his belief in a “revolution of common sense” aimed at dismantling the administrative state.
He also referenced Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served four terms before the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951, limiting presidents to two terms. However, Bannon’s vague responses left room for interpretation, raising concerns about the potential for undermining democratic norms.
Trump himself has previously hinted at the possibility of running for a third term, though such a move would require a constitutional amendment or a significant legal challenge to the existing term limits. Bannon’s comments have added fuel to the speculation, drawing criticism from those who view the idea as a threat to the U.S. Constitution and democratic principles.
The interview also touched on Bannon’s own political ambitions. Cuomo noted that Bannon had finished second in a CPAC straw poll for potential 2028 GOP contenders, behind Vice President JD Vance.
Bannon dismissed the idea of running for president himself, reiterating his support for Trump and suggesting that Trump’s political movement would continue to dominate the Republican Party.
Bannon’s remarks have reignited debates about the future of the GOP and the potential for Trump to remain a central figure in American politics, even beyond the constraints of the Constitution.
While some of his supporters may welcome the idea of a Trump third term, others see it as a dangerous precedent that could erode the foundations of American democracy.
As the 2024 election approaches, Bannon’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing influence of Trump and his allies, as well as the challenges facing those who seek to uphold constitutional norms.
