Constitution Rules Out Third Term for Trump in the United States

U.S. President Donald Trump said today that he “probably” would not seek a third term in the 2028 elections, although he is well aware that such a possibility is ruled out by the Constitution.

He stated that it is still too early to choose a successor for the Republican nomination that year, but acknowledged that Vice President JD Vance would be the “most likely” candidate.

“So it is too early to talk about it, but he is certainly doing a great job and would probably be the favorite at this point,” Trump said of the White House’s number two.

Trump also suggested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who sought the Republican nomination in 2016, could form a formidable ticket with Vance.

He mentioned other members of his current Cabinet who could one day lead the movement he created, Make America Great Again.

Despite the fact that the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution leaves no room for confusion, limiting presidents to only two four-year terms, which do not have to be consecutive as in his case (2017–2021 and 2025–2028), the Republican has repeatedly hinted at the idea of a third term in the White House.

At times as a joke, and at others with apparent seriousness, he has even suggested there might be ways to achieve it.

In April, the Trump Organization’s online store began selling “Trump 2028” merchandise, and prominent MAGA figures have said the president should try to run again.

Steve Bannon, his former chief strategist and now host of the MAGA podcast, asked on air in December, “Maybe we do it again in ’28?” And in November, Trump refused to rule out a third term, telling NBC there are “ways” to make it happen.

“You know, we are very popular (…) And you know, a lot of people would like me to do it (…) I tell them we have a long way to go,” he remarked.

In a speech delivered while still a candidate to the National Rifle Association in May 2024, Trump recalled the four electoral victories of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, before the 22nd Amendment was ratified in February 1951.