Trump’s Disturbing Push for Indefinite Presidency Undermines Democracy

President Donald Trump has again trivialized the boundaries of presidential terms, recently joking to FIFA President Gianni Infantino about extending his presidency until the 2026 World Cup in North America. This comment reflects a disturbing propensity for Trump to flout democratic norms and hint at a desire for an authoritarian permanence in power.

During a public interaction with Infantino, Trump facetiously suggested that he would require an extension of his second term, implying that the press and public would not object. This incident is not isolated; Trump has previously made light of the concept of staying in office longer than is constitutionally permitted, showcasing a troubling disregard for the democratic process and rule of law.

In May, Trump endorsed an idea put forth by Jerry Falwell Jr., a prominent evangelical leader, who proposed that he should have his term extended due to a politically motivated investigation into his campaign’s ties to Russia. This rhetoric undermines the integrity of elections and promotes a narrative of victimhood among Trump supporters, further emboldening his autocratic tendencies.

Trump’s past comments, including his admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s unlimited term and his musings about remaining in office for “10 or 14 years,” reveal a frightening ambivalence towards democratic principles. These statements raise concerns that extend beyond mere joking; they reflect a deeper agenda to normalize the idea of an indefinite presidency.

While Trump’s remarks are cloaked in humor, they evoke genuine concern among Democrats and political analysts alike, who fear that he may not accept the outcome of the 2024 election should it entail his removal from office. Such sentiments reiterate the necessity of defending democracy against figures like Trump, whose cavalier approach to presidential limits poses a real threat to American governance.

(h/t: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/09/trump-jokes-extended-term-2024-1486897)