Trump welcomes hypothetical election match-up with Obama “I’d love that”

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed enthusiasm about a hypothetical election face-off against former President Barack Obama, despite constitutional limits prohibiting a third term for both leaders.

During an Oval Office exchange with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, Trump was asked whether Democrats might attempt to run Obama against him if a third term were allowed, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

“I’d love that. That would be a good one. I’d like that,” Trump responded.

He went on to say, “No, people are asking me to run. I don’t know, I never looked into it. And they do say there’s a way you can do it, but I don’t know about that. But I have not looked into it. I want to do a fantastic job. … It’s still close to four years.”

Trump’s remarks have reignited speculation over his stance on a potential third term, particularly after he declined to rule it out in a recent NBC News interview. Although the 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits a president from serving more than two terms, Trump has frequently claimed that allies are encouraging him to explore the possibility.

Despite the attention his comments have drawn, many lawmakers consider the idea far-fetched, given that amending the Constitution would require approval from two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of U.S. states—an almost insurmountable challenge.

White House officials and those close to the administration have downplayed Trump’s remarks, suggesting that he is simply baiting critics and provoking reactions from Democrats and the media.

“Look, you guys continue to ask the president this question about a third term and then he answers honestly and candidly with a smile and then everybody here melts down about his answer,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday.

Trump has floated the idea on multiple occasions, often in the context of his fundraising capabilities. At a Black History Month event at the White House, he asked the crowd whether he should run again. Similarly, during a St. Patrick’s Day gathering at the Capitol, he quipped about hoping to host the Taoiseach for the event “at least” three more times, acknowledging that his comment would likely spark media reactions.

By Khagan Isayev