Some of Donald Trump’s supporters have floated the idea of circumventing the constitutional prohibition by having him run as vice president. Under this plan, another candidate would seek the presidency and, if elected, resign, allowing Trump to ascend to the presidency once more.

However, constitutional scholars are quick to point out that Trump cannot run for vice president due to his ineligibility for the presidency. The 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly states: “No person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.”

When questioned about his willingness to challenge the legality of another presidential campaign in court, Trump remarked, “I haven’t really thought about it.”

During the 2024 campaign, Trump consistently targeted former President Joe Biden’s age, frequently highlighting Biden’s verbal and physical slips as purported evidence that his Democratic opponent was too old to effectively govern.

Asked about whether he would be willing to fight in court over the legality of another presidential bid, Trump responded: “I haven’t really thought about it.”

Throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump made former president Joe Biden’s advanced age a focal point, often highlighting verbal and physical missteps as evidence that his Democratic rival was too old to effectively lead the country.

Trump’s statements about a third term have complicated the Republican Party’s future, with maneuvering already underway among potential Republican successors, even as some Trump allies back his remaining in office.

‘There is a plan’

In an interview last week with The Economist, Steve Bannon, the pro-Trump podcaster who briefly served as Trump’s White House chief strategist in his first term, said there was a plan to circumvent the 22nd amendment and suggested he was involved in developing it.