Donor Adelson urges third term for Trump at White House event
Major pro-Israel donor Miriam Adelson publicly encouraged President Donald Trump to pursue a third term in office, suggesting legal pathways exist despite constitutional limits. At a White House Hanukkah reception, she referenced discussions with attorney Alan Dershowitz and hinted at substantial financial support. Trump also used the occasion to accuse certain members of Congress of antisemitism.
A prominent pro-Israel political donor has openly called for President Donald Trump to seek an unprecedented third term in the White House. The unusual public appeal came from billionaire Miriam Adelson during a Hanukkah reception hosted by Trump on Tuesday, spotlighting discussions about circumventing the 22nd Amendment's two-term limit.
The proposal and promised financial backing
Addressing the gathering after being invited on stage by Trump, the 80-year-old Adelson revealed she had explored the idea with noted attorney Alan Dershowitz. "I met Alan Dershowitz... I said, Alan, I agree with you. So we can do it. Think about it," she stated. Trump later quoted her as saying, "‘think about it, I’ll give you another $250 million’," a sum he claimed she had already contributed "indirectly and directly" to his political efforts. According to Open Secrets, Adelson was a top donor in the 2024 cycle.
Trump's comments on israel and congress
The event also served as a platform for Trump to address U.S.-Israel relations and domestic politics. He reminisced about frequent meetings with Adelson's late husband, Sheldon, who "fought for Israel." Trump then lamented a shift in political dynamics, stating, "Fifteen years ago, the strongest lobby in Washington was the Jewish lobby. It’s no longer true." He specifically criticized progressive lawmakers, saying, "You have a Congress... which is becoming antisemitic," and named Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. Those lawmakers have consistently rejected such accusations, stating their criticism is aimed at Israeli government policies, not Jewish people.
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Constitutional and political context
The public suggestion of a third term immediately raises constitutional questions. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, clearly states that "no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." Legal scholars widely consider this a firm barrier, making any attempt for a third elected term a significant constitutional challenge. The episode underscores the influential role of major donors and the ongoing political debates surrounding Israel in American politics.
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