Speaker Johnson throws cold water on third term for Trump

House Speaker Mike Johnson said little appetite exists to amend the Constitution and let President Trump seek a third term following remarks that he wasn’t joking about another go-round in the White House.

Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican, said he and Mr. Trump have discussed a possible third term, but couched the idea as something the two joked about “on stage” and that while there is a constitutional path to a third term, it’s littered with hurdles.

The 22nd Amendment prohibits a president from seeking more than two terms. The process of amending the Constitution to end term limits for the president would be tough, requiring a two-thirds vote of Congress or two-thirds of the states agreeing to call a constitutional convention to propose changes. Either pathway would require ratification from three-quarters of the states.

“I understand why so many Americans do wish that he could run for a third term, because he’s accomplishing so much in his first 100 days that they wish he could go on for much longer, but I think he recognizes the constitutional limitations, and I’m not sure that there’s a move about to amend the Constitution,” the speaker said.

Mr. Trump lately hasn’t ruled out seeking a third term, but admitted he hasn’t looked into how to do so.

Still, he’s gone so far as to say he would “love” to run against former President Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, lawmakers and Trump loyalists are charting a way forward.

Rep. Andy Ogles, Tennessee Republican, introduced a resolution that called for; he extension of presidential term limits that would give Mr. Trump a shot at another term.

• Jeff Mordock contributed to this story.