Amid ongoing political uncertainty, former President Donald Trump’s musings about a third term have sparked significant discussions. California Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced deep concerns about this prospect, fearing that current political dynamics could jeopardize the U.S. presidential election in 2028.
Third Term Talk and Constitutional Boundaries
Donald Trump, both the 45th and 47th President of the United States, has suggested the possibility of extending his presidency beyond the normal limits. However, the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly caps a president’s terms at two, making any pursuit of a third term a formidable legal hurdle. Altering this constitutional mandate requires a rigorous and rare legislative effort involving a twothirds majority in both the House and Senate.
Governor Newsom’s Democratic Concerns
During an appearance on “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his worries, labeling some Trump administration actions as “authoritarian.” He cautioned that without nationwide awareness and intervention, the 2028 presidential election might be under threat. Newsom emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing what he sees as an erosion of democratic norms.
Trump’s Political Trajectory and Successors
Donald Trump’s political path has included notable victories and losses, capturing the presidency in 2016 before being defeated by Joe Biden in 2020. In 2024, Trump returned to power, maintaining his influential presence in American politics. Despite earlier suggestions of a third term, Trump has mentioned alternative strategies, such as potentially stepping aside for Vice President JD Vance, who could then supposedly facilitate Trump’s return to presidency, albeit a speculative constitutional workaround.
Newsom’s Legislative Actions and Critiques
Governor Newsom has taken steps to counteract federal initiatives he views as overly authoritative. He’s recently passed laws to limit the anonymity of law enforcement officers during operations, aligning his efforts with ongoing critiques of the current administration’s immigration policies. These policies, marked by courthouse arrests and fasttrack deportations, have been criticized for sidelining due process, stirring significant public and political debate.
Redistricting Controversies and Political Strategy
As redistricting continues to shape political landscapes, both Democratic and Republican parties are leveraging it to tilt future elections. Trump has supported efforts in Texas aimed at augmenting Republican congressional representation. Conversely, Newsom is leading a Californian redistricting campaign to potentially secure more Democratic seats, awaiting voter input on this initiative in the near future.
Evaluating the 2028 Election’s Viability
Though Gavin Newsom’s anxieties regarding the potential cancellation of the 2028 election have been dismissed by White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson as conspiratorial, they reflect wider concerns about the robustness of U.S. democracy. The debate surrounding a possible third Trump term underscores the constitutional and political challenges ahead. In this climate, defending democratic values continues to be a central theme as the nation approaches its future elections.