President Donald Trump said Wednesday “it’s pretty clear I’m not allowed to run” for a third term, a move that is prohibited by the Constitution but has been floated by some of his allies and Trump himself.
In remarks to reporters on an Air Force One flight to South Korea in the morning, Trump appeared to refer to the Constitution’s forbidding presidents from serving more than two terms.
“I have the best numbers for any president in many years, any president,” he claimed. “And I would say that if you read it, it’s pretty clear I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad. But we have a lot of great people.”
Trump has previously mused about a third-term bid, despite the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, which established a two-term limit. His comments about a 2028 run have alarmed critics but have been downplayed by congressional Republicans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday that he did not see “a way to amend the Constitution,” pointing to a lengthy timeline and a high bar for state and congressional support.
“So I don’t, I don’t see the path for that, but I can tell you that we are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal,” he said.
A constitutional amendment would need to be proposed by a two-thirds majority in the House and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Then, a proposed amendment would need to be approved by three-fourths of states.
Trump has previously gone so far as to have told NBC News in March that there were methods for seeking another term and that he was “not joking.”
Earlier in his Asia trip, Trump also appeared to rule out running for vice president in a potential scenario in which Vice President JD Vance would run for president and turn power over to him if he is elected. A similar arrangement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2008, when he was not allowed to run for a third consecutive term but retained ample power when then-President Dmitry Medvedev appointed him prime minister.
“I think the people wouldn’t like that,” Trump said of running for vice president. “It’s too cute. It’s not, it wouldn’t be right.”
Trump ally Steve Bannon said last week that Trump is “going to get a third term.”
In an interview with The Economist, Bannon said, “Trump is going to be president in ’28 and people just ought to get accommodated with that.” Asked about the 22nd Amendment, which established a two-term limit, he said, “There’s many different alternatives.”
Asked about Bannon’s comments, Trump said Monday, “I haven’t really thought about it.”
He pointed to Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential ticket, adding, “I would love to do it.”
Just days into Trump’s second term, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., proposed an amendment to allow Trump to seek a third term. The measure has not moved forward.
The Trump Organization, too, began selling “Trump 2028” hats and shirts this year. The shirts are also emblazoned with the words “rewrite the rules.”
