Jon Stewart says Trump’s 90,000 square foot ballroom signals a plan for a third term
.@JonStewart on Trump's third term plans: "You trying to order off-menu from the Constitution?" pic.twitter.com/ybi6ZeptUb
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) April 1, 2025
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Comedian and writer Jon Stewart targeted President Donald Trump’s post-presidency ambitions on Monday’s episode of ‘The Daily Show.’ Stewart argued that Trump’s plan to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House indicates that he has no intention of handing over power anytime soon. Stewart said Trump is “definitely” planning for a third term.
Jon Stewart highlights Donald Trump’s third-term intentions
During the episode, Stewart referenced a clip of a journalist asking Trump aboard Air Force One if he would “be willing to challenge the court” to serve a third term. Trump replied, “Well, I haven’t really thought about it.”
Stewart responded, “Yes! He’s doing it! ‘I haven’t thought about it’ is always the tell when he’s asked about something he is definitely going to do that is legally, ethically, or morally dubious. He says he hasn’t thought about it, but we know he’s already thought about it, because he already has the merch.”
He then showed a photo of two “Trump 2028” hats on the Oval Office desk.
“Some critics will say presidents cannot serve more than two terms due to the 22nd Amendment,” Stewart added. “But Trump has already considered various scenarios for running a third term that he claims he hasn’t thought about.”
Jon Stewart reacts to Donald Trump’s vice president remark
BREAKING: President Donald Trump said he could serve a third term in 2028 by first running as vice president and then assuming office if the sitting president were to step down
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) October 27, 2025
“I’d be allowed to do it,” Trump said. “But I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.” pic.twitter.com/goBDuYdfr8
In a separate exchange aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked if he would run as vice president to secure a third term. Trump said he would “be allowed to do that” but described the tactic as “too cute” to attempt.
“Too cute? No, that’s why you don’t go to Build-A-Bear as an adult,” Stewart joked. “Running as vice president to skirt the 22nd Amendment isn’t cute. But Trump is the kind of guy who says, ‘I respect Americans too much to play games. If I’m going to run again, I’m going to rip off the Constitution’s head and…’ well, you get the idea.”
Stewart added, “Indications are very clear he’s going to do it. You don’t move into a house, knock down a wing, and build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom for the next guy.”
Donald Trump’s dream ballroom project
On October 20, the East Wing of the White House was demolished to make way for Trump’s $350 million ballroom inspired by his Mar-a-Lago resort. Initially, parts of the East Wing were expected to remain, but Trump confirmed the full demolition to accommodate the grand space.
The project drew criticism from preservationists and Democratic politicians who opposed the demolition.
