$250M Temptation – Trump and 22nd Amendment Clash

Ballots in boxes with American flag background.

Miriam Adelson publicly dangled $250 million to lure President Trump into defying the 22nd Amendment’s sacred two-term limit at a White House event, sparking chants of “four more years” and alarms over constitutional erosion.

Story Highlights

At the December 16, 2025 White House Hanukkah reception, Trump revealed Adelson’s offer of another $250 million if he pursues a third term.
Adelson disclosed consulting attorney Alan Dershowitz on legal paths around the 22nd Amendment, telling Trump “we can do it.”
The public exchange at an official event prompted audience chants, testing reactions to bypassing constitutional term limits.
Adelson, a top pro-Israel donor, previously gave over $100 million to Trump-aligned PACs in 2024, highlighting megadonor sway.

Event Unfolds at White House Hanukkah Reception

On December 16, 2025, President Trump invited Miriam Adelson onstage during the White House East Room Hanukkah reception. Trump told the crowd Adelson urged him to consider a third presidential run, promising another $250 million in support. Adelson confirmed the discussion, stating she met Alan Dershowitz to explore legal options for such a term despite the Constitution’s clear limits. The remarks ignited chants of “four more years” from the pro-Israel, Republican-leaning audience. Trump praised Adelson’s late husband Sheldon as a fighter for Israel, tying the moment to strong U.S.-Israel ties. This public teasing at an official event underscores the explicit nature of the exchange.

Constitutional Barrier: The 22nd Amendment Stands Firm

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly states no person shall be elected president more than twice, a direct response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms and Washington’s two-term tradition. Trump, elected in 2016, lost in 2020, and won in 2024, has already served two elected terms. Adelson’s claim of discussing “legal avenues” with Dershowitz raises red flags for conservatives who cherish constitutional integrity over power grabs. Mainstream legal scholarship views the amendment as unambiguous, rejecting loopholes like non-consecutive terms or vice-presidential ascension without formal repeal. True patriots defend these limits to prevent any slide toward indefinite rule, protecting the republic’s founding principles.

Megadonor Influence and Adelson’s Track Record

Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, emerges as a pivotal stakeholder. She and her husband ranked among top Republican donors, channeling $106 million into the Preserve America PAC for Trump’s 2024 victory. Trump noted her prior contributions totaled $250 million directly and indirectly. Her pro-Israel advocacy aligns with Trump’s policies, including praise for Israel amid domestic opposition. By linking massive funding to a third-term push, Adelson spotlights how big money tempts leaders to eye workarounds, potentially eroding democratic norms cherished by limited-government advocates. Conservatives wary of elite overreach see this as a cautionary tale on donor leverage.

Reactions and Broader Ramifications

The December 17, 2025 reports from multiple outlets framed the incident as flirting with unconstitutional ambitions, consistent across sources. Trump supporters may dismiss it as bravado signaling base strength, while constitutionalists worry about norm erosion. No formal legal challenges or filings have surfaced; it remains public signaling. Long-term, such talk backed by nine-figure pledges could weaken taboos on term limits, polarizing the GOP between loyalists and rule-of-law defenders. For families valuing stable governance over personality cults, reaffirming the 22nd Amendment safeguards America’s exceptional system against overreach.