Jon Stewart isn’t laughing off President Donald Trump’s latest comments about serving a third term ... and he doesn’t think anyone else should either. The Daily Show host pointed to plenty of evidence to suggest that even if Trump is playing coy right now, he probably has a plan to stick around.
On Monday night’s The Daily Show, Stewart zeroed in on Trump’s recent remarks teasing the idea of another run in 2028, mocking the former president’s familiar “I haven't thought about it” strategy. But given what Stewart knows about President Trump, it's hard for the comedian to imagine the ideas hasn't crossed his mind.
“He’s doing it!” Stewart exclaimed. “‘I haven’t thought about it.’ That’s the tell for whenever he’s asked about something that he is definitely going to do that is dubious legally, ethically or morally.”
As Stewart pointed out, Trump’s insistence that he hasn’t considered a third term doesn’t hold much water. “He says he hasn’t thought about it, but of course, we know he’s thought about it because he already has the merch,” Stewart said, referring to the president's collection of "Trump 2028" hats that have been on display.
The host didn’t stop there. Stewart also mocked Trump’s claim that he wouldn’t try to sidestep the 22nd Amendment by running as vice president. “He’s the kind of guy who’s like, ‘I respect Americans too much to play games. If I’m gonna run again, I’m gonna rip off the Constitution’s head and s*** down its neck,’” Stewart said, earning shocked laughter from the audience.
But beyond the punchlines, Stewart’s warning seemed pretty clear: Trump’s third-term talk may sound like trolling, but his track record suggests it shouldn’t be dismissed. “The truth is, indications are very clear he’s going to do it because you don’t move into a house, knock down a wing and build a 90,000 square foot ballroom for the next guy,” Stewart said. “He’s in it for the long haul.”
For Stewart, the hats and East Wing demolition provide more than enough evidence that Donald Trump is serious about staying in the White House beyond any term limits. While he's not the first late-night host to suggest Trump won't give up power, Stewart is ringing the bell the loudest right now.
So what's the solution? Stewart sarcastically suggested creating a new position for Donald Trump: overseas president. The comedian imagined Trump leading “America’s touring company, taking our great show anywhere but here.”
The segment was once again Stewart wading into familiar territory, trying to bring humor and attention to something he takes very seriously. Perhaps the idea of a third Trump term is why Stewart isn't ready to walk away from The Daily Show.