President Donald Trump says the U.S. Constitution is “pretty clear” that he cannot run for a third term – even as he continues to flirt with the idea and allies hint at possible workarounds. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling to South Korea, Trump acknowledged the constitutional limit but said it was “too bad” he couldn’t run again in 2028.
“We have the greatest economy we’ve ever had, I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had,” Trump said Wednesday.
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“And, you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run, so we’ll see what happens,” he added.
Johnson dismisses third-term talk
Trump’s comments came after remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who told reporters Tuesday that he saw no way around the 22nd Amendment, which limits the president to two terms.
“It’s been a great run. But I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that,” Johnson said.
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The 22nd Amendment allows a president to serve only two terms, or a maximum of 10 years in office, if they complete the term of a predecessor.
Earlier this week, Straight Arrow News reported that the constitutional hurdles Trump would face in seeking a third term appear significant, if not insurmountable.
Bannon fuels speculation
Speculation over a third term intensified after former Trump adviser Steve Bannon told The Economist, “there is a plan” for Trump to seek a third term.
However, Bannon is no longer part of Trump’s inner circle, and White House officials reportedly accused him of using the comments to generate attention for himself.
Trump denies ‘vice president’ loophole
Trump also dismissed the idea of running as vice president to sidestep the term limit – a move that would likely violate the 12th Amendment, as Straight Arrow News has reported.
“I think the people wouldn’t like that because it’s too cute. It’s not – it wouldn’t be right,” Trump said.
Despite his insistence that his popularity is at an all-time high, The New York Times average shows Trump’s approval rating hovering around 43%.
“I would say that if you read it, [the Constitution], it’s pretty clear, I’m not allowed to run,” Trump added. “It’s too bad. But we have a lot of great people.”
