US President Donald Trump has firmly ruled out the possibility of seeking a third term in office, stating he would prefer to hand over the reins of leadership to a “great Republican” once his second term concludes. Trump made the remarks during a May 4 interview with NBC News, putting to rest weeks of speculation fueled by controversial comments and campaign merchandise suggesting otherwise.

When pressed about persistent rumors that he might attempt to remain in office beyond the constitutionally mandated limit of two terms, Trump dismissed the idea, despite acknowledging that there had been “strong requests” for him to do so.

“So many people want me to do it,” Trump said. “I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do. I don’t know if that’s constitutional, that they’re not allowing you to do it or anything else.”

Trump’s ambiguous phrasing – especially his uncertainty about the constitutional rule-reignited anxiety among critics and political observers who have long warned that Trump’s populist approach could lead to attempts at undermining........

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