President Donald Trump said this week that billionaire donor Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to run for a third term in office in 2028, even though the Constitution bans presidents from serving more than two terms.
Trump made the comments Tuesday night during a White House Hanukkah reception. While speaking in the East Room, he praised Adelson and then invited her onto the stage.
“Miriam gave my campaign indirectly and directly $250 million. She was the number one,” Trump told the crowd. “When somebody can give you $250 million, I think we should give her the opportunity to say hello.”
Adelson Backs the Idea Publicly
Adelson, an Israeli American billionaire and the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, then spoke briefly at the podium. She said she had just met with Alan Dershowitz, a former Harvard Law School professor who once represented Jeffrey Epstein.
She said they discussed the idea of “four more years” and added, “I said, Alan, I agree with you, so we can do it.”
The crowd responded by chanting “Four more years” as Adelson leaned over to speak privately with the 79 year old president.
“She said, ‘Think about it, I’ll give you another $250 million,’” Trump told the audience.
“I will give,” Adelson replied.
Trump Reflects on Sheldon Adelson
Trump later shared stories about Adelson’s late husband Sheldon, who died in 2021 and was once one of the most influential political donors in the country.
“He’d call and say, ‘Can I come over please?’” Trump said. “I’d say, ‘Sheldon, I’m president of the United States. It doesn’t work that way anymore. Maybe tomorrow.’ But he’d insist.”
Trump said those short visits often lasted much longer and claimed Sheldon Adelson was deeply focused on supporting Israel.
Longstanding Push for Pro Israel Policies
The Adelsons have long pushed Trump toward a strong pro Israel agenda. During Trump’s first term, Sheldon Adelson urged him to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. After his death, Miriam Adelson reportedly encouraged Trump to publicly support Israel’s annexation of the West Bank.
Trump’s Ongoing Third Term Hints
Trump has repeatedly hinted that he is interested in running again in 2028, even though the 22nd Amendment clearly limits presidents to two terms.
In March, he told NBC News he was “not joking” about a third term and said many people want him to do it. In October, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said “Trump 2028” hats were placed on the Resolute Desk during a meeting with Democrats.
Mixed Messages About 2028
More recently, Trump has sent mixed messages. In October, he told reporters on Air Force One that he would love to run again and claimed he has his best numbers ever. He later said a 2028 run would be “too cute” and “wouldn’t be right.”
When asked directly if he was ruling out a third term, Trump replied, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean, you’ll have to tell me.”
