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On Wednesday, President Trump seemed to definitively rule out the possibility of pursuing a third term, acknowledging that the U.S. Constitution clearly prohibits such an action.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight to South Korea, Trump remarked, “It’s quite interesting. My approval ratings are the best any president has seen in years.”
He continued, “If you look at the Constitution, it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run again. It’s unfortunate, but we have many great people ready to step up.”
Throughout the first nine months of his second term, Trump has mentioned the idea of a third term on several occasions.
The 22nd Amendment explicitly states that no individual can be elected to the presidency more than twice.
Talk of Trump running again in 2028 picked up steam again after Steve Bannon, a Trump ally and former top adviser, said in a recent interview there was a “plan” to keep Trump in office, though he did not elaborate.
Trump, on a Monday flight to Japan, was asked about Bannon’s comments and said he’d “love” to run again, though he ruled out an idea floated by some supporters to run as a vice presidential candidate and then take over after the election.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday that he has talked to Trump about the constitutional limitations that would prevent the president from seeking a third term.
“It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows — and he and I’ve talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that,” Johnson told reporters.