John Kerezy argues that Donald Trump should publicly support an Article V convention in 2026 to propose three constitutional amendments: congressional term limits, a balanced-budget amendment, and limits on judicial power. He cites continued concerns about federal debt (now above $38.5 trillion), widespread litigation from the Trump era, and uncertain 2026 midterm prospects as reasons the move could gain traction. An Article V convention requires approvals from 34 state legislatures; 20 states have already approved resolutions, and Trump’s backing could persuade additional states to join. Kerezy contends this approach could produce a lasting legacy of Washington reform.
Opinion: Trump Could Cement a Legacy by Backing an Article V Convention to Propose Three Amendments
More than a decade after his June 2015 campaign announcement, many of the warnings Donald Trump voiced then still resonate: the rising cost of health-care subsidies, mounting federal debt, and a sprawling, entrenched federal bureaucracy. He famously called for congressional term limits and urged voters to “drain the swamp,” themes that energized his base and shaped his political brand.
As this month ends, a dispute involving the Department of Homeland Security risks another partial government shutdown. The federal debt now exceeds $38.5 trillion. While some policy changes and rollbacks have reshaped parts of the federal government, long-established career officials continue to wield significant influence in and around Washington.
Judicial Challenges and Election Uncertainty
Another persistent obstacle is litigation: the non-profit Lawfare reports roughly 253 active lawsuits challenging actions taken during Trump’s presidency. Although the Supreme Court has often ruled in ways favorable to Trump, lower-court injunctions have at times blocked executive policies and orders.
Meanwhile, uncertainty about the 2026 midterm elections adds political pressure. More than 50 members of Congress, many Republicans, have announced they will not seek re-election. Recent polling gives Democrats a modest lead, and historically the president’s party tends to lose a significant number of House seats in midterms. If Democrats retake the House, the political environment in 2027–28 could be substantially more difficult for Trump.
A Potential Path: An Article V Convention
John Kerezy argues there is a route by which Trump could bypass some of these obstacles and deliver a lasting reform: publicly endorsing an Article V convention of states in 2026. Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, state legislatures must pass resolutions in 34 states to call a convention. To date, 20 states have approved such resolutions.
Kerezy proposes three specific amendment goals for a convention: congressional term limits, a balanced-budget amendment, and limits on judicial power. Polling indicates broad public support for term limits, and many states already have balanced-budget provisions at the state level. Each proposal aligns with reform themes Trump has promoted since 2015.
Why Trump’s Backing Could Matter
Trump carried 31 states in the 2024 election. Of those states, 17 have not yet approved Article V resolutions. A high-profile endorsement and campaign could help persuade several of those legislatures to act. Public dissatisfaction with the political status quo—surveys indicate many Americans see serious political dysfunction—could further bolster momentum for change.
Whether an Article V convention is prudent or risky is debated. Supporters see it as a democratic way for states to reclaim power from entrenched Washington interests; critics warn of unpredictable consequences and legal complexities. Still, for a president seeking a transformational legacy, the convention pathway offers a concrete mechanism to pursue that goal.
John Kerezy is an associate professor at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland.
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