During a recent Hanukkah ceremony at the White House, Israeli-American billionaire Miriam Adelson, a major political donor who contributed $250 million to President Trump’s campaign, made an unexpected announcement. Speaking publicly on stage, she stated that she has discussed with Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz the legal feasibility of a third presidential term for Trump and indicated he should pursue it. Adelson further revealed her offer to provide another $250 million to fund such a bid.

The revelation generated immediate excitement as the White House crowd reacted positively to the prospect of a potential third term.

Dershowitz has conducted extensive legal analysis on whether a president could serve beyond two terms, resulting in a book outlining hypothetical scenarios. These include situations where Congress might determine election outcomes or where Trump could be elected Speaker of the House following an incumbent’s resignation. President Trump received a copy of Dershowitz’s draft this week.

In recent discussions with Dershowitz, the professor emphasized that the Constitution explicitly prohibits more than two presidential terms. “I explained it’s not clear if a president can become a third-term president and whether such action would be permissible,” Dershowitz stated. Trump expressed interest in the intellectual challenge but showed no intention of seeking re-election. He previously declared the Constitution is “pretty clear” he cannot run again.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson noted that extending Trump’s presidency beyond current terms would be a significant benefit for the nation when questioned about future plans. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles also confirmed in recent interviews that Trump understands he cannot seek re-election.

Dershowitz detailed potential scenarios in his book where Trump could potentially assume office again, such as if electoral college members abstained from voting and Congress selected a president instead. However, the National Constitution Center reports only two historical instances of electors abstaining from voting for a living candidate, none of which led to congressional intervention in presidential elections.

James Sample, a law professor at Hofstra University, described Dershowitz’s proposals as “absurd” but acknowledged one plausible pathway: if Trump and allies like JD Vance or Donald Trump Jr. ran with the intention to resign immediately upon taking office, potentially allowing Trump to become Speaker of the House without congressional membership requirements.