Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, stated that US President Donald Trump, 79, intends to seek an unconstitutional third term in 2028. Bannon suggested that Trump's actions, such as strategic interests in Greenland and Canada, and architectural projects in Washington, indicate long-term plans to "save the country."
Third Term Prediction and Constitutional Amendment
Bannon asserted that Trump could circumvent the 22nd Amendment, which limits a president to two terms, stating he could "drive a Mack truck through" it. He characterized the current era as "the age of Trump," implying its continuation. Bannon drew parallels between Trump and former presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, positioning Trump as a figure who will "reclaim the nation" through a "long-term project."
Bannon's Influence and Trump's Stance
Although Bannon did not hold a White House position in Trump's second term, he maintains influence through his War Room podcast and access to the administration. Trump, who will turn 80 this year, has previously hinted at running again but also stated that a third term was "pretty clear" not allowed. Trump also appears to observe the competition between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential Republican successors.
Electoral Strategy and Immigration
Bannon discussed the Republican electoral strategy, including controversial immigration enforcement operations in Democratic cities like Minneapolis. He claimed these raids were aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants who he believes Democrats intend to use to manipulate electoral rolls. Bannon alleged that if electoral rolls were "legitimate," Democrats would find it "virtually impossible" to win national elections. These claims about widespread voter fraud and non-citizen voting are unfounded.
Midterm Elections and MAGA Base
Regarding the upcoming November midterm elections, Bannon expressed confidence that Republicans would retain control of the House of Representatives. He asserted that the "MAGA base is not beatable," despite Trump having lost the 2020 election. Bannon noted a correlation between topics discussed on his War Room podcast and Trump's public comments or actions, suggesting the president follows the show. He also highlighted Canada's strategic importance to the Arctic Rim and its vulnerability to China and Russia, identifying it as Trump's next focus.
Trump's Second Term and Executive Power
Bannon described the pace and scale of disruption during Trump's second term as unprecedented. He stated that the MAGA movement utilized Trump's time out of office to develop a policy blueprint, including Project 2025, and a strategy to "overwhelm the system" or "flood the zone," which he believes has been successful.
Bannon emphasized a theory regarding Article 2 of the Constitution, which he says allows the president to radically claim executive power. He outlined three points:
- The president, as chief executive officer, has the authority to dismiss any personnel.
- The president possesses virtually unlimited power as commander-in-chief.
- The president, as chief magistrate and chief law enforcement officer, has broken post-Watergate norms where lawyers controlled the Justice Department and judiciary.
Bannon noted that Trump might use the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to Minneapolis to address protests against immigration enforcement, which the administration has labeled "domestic terrorism." The Pentagon reportedly placed 1500 troops in Alaska on standby for potential deployment.