Washington: United States Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Sunday that former President Donald Trump would face major legal hurdles in any attempt to run for a third term, despite his recent comments suggesting he may pursue it.

"I wish we could have him for 20 years as our president," Bondi told Fox News Sunday. "But I think he's going to be finished, probably, after this term."

The US Constitution was amended in 1947 to set a two-term limit on the presidency, following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had been elected to four terms.

However, constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, along with ratification by three-quarters of the 50 states. Political analysts widely view such a move as extremely unlikely.

"That's really the only way to do it," Bondi said. "It'd be a heavy lift."

Trump says he’s “not joking”

Trump’s comments about seeking a third term were initially dismissed by many as speculative, but on 31 March, the 78-year-old told NBC News he was "not joking" and said there were "methods" that could allow him to pursue a third term.

Bondi’s remarks, while aligning with most constitutional scholars, gain significance due to her role as the nation’s top law enforcement official and a known Trump loyalist.

Legal pushback against administration

Earlier in her interview with Fox's Shannon Bream, Bondi expressed frustration over the volume of legal challenges the Trump administration has encountered.

"We've had over 170 lawsuits brought against us — that should be the constitutional crisis right there," she said. "We'll continue to fight" those cases as they progress through the courts.

Death penalty directive

Bondi also defended the administration’s decision to pursue the death penalty in the case of Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the 4 December 2024 murder of health insurance executive Brian Thompson on a New York City pavement.

"The president's directive was very clear: we are to seek the death penalty when possible," Bondi stated. "If there was ever a death case, this is one."

Supreme Court victory on DEI grants

Bondi also highlighted a recent legal win for the administration. On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the government in a dispute over the Education Department's decision to freeze grants related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The freeze affected $64 million earmarked for teacher training and professional development.

"We just got a great win," she said. "And we'll continue to fight every day.

AFP