CNN commentators expressed alarm over President Trump’s recent jokes about potentially running for a third term, arguing that his remarks should not be dismissed as mere humor but viewed as a potential “threat” to democratic norms.
During a segment aired on CNN, panelists discussed the President’s repeated comments about extending his time in office beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms. While Trump has framed the statements as jokes, several network contributors argued they reflect a deeper intent to test public tolerance for breaking political precedents.
“We should view it as a threat,” one commentator said. “There are patterns that are established, and we should look at them.”
Another analyst added, “When he threatens that there are workarounds, there are all sorts of nightmare scenarios that we can imagine.”
The conversation comes amid ongoing partisan debate over the limits of presidential power. Critics of CNN’s reaction note that the same network was largely silent when former Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee without going through a primary election process.
President Trump, for his part, has continued to dismiss media outrage, saying his third-term remarks are tongue-in-cheek and meant to mock the political establishment.
