US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of seeking a third term in the White House but has explicitly rejected the idea of using a vice-presidential candidacy as a loophole to circumvent constitutional term limits. Speaking to reporters during his trip to Asia, Trump expressed that he would “love to” run again but dismissed suggestions that he could serve as vice-president to effectively secure another term.
Trump made these comments aboard Air Force One while traveling from Malaysia to Japan. He described the notion of running for vice-president as “too cute” and stated that it “wouldn’t be right,” even though he acknowledged that it might be technically permissible. This idea had been floated by some of his supporters as a way to bypass the 22nd Amendment, which generally bars presidents from serving more than two terms.
When directly asked about the prospect of a third term, Trump said he hasn’t seriously considered it but pointed to his high approval ratings. “I have the best poll numbers that I’ve ever had,” he remarked, suggesting that his political standing remains strong. However, he did not elaborate on what method he might use to run again, leaving open questions about his intentions.
In the same conversation, Trump highlighted potential successors within his party, specifically mentioning Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He called them “unstoppable” and expressed confidence in the Republican Party’s future leadership, contrasting it with what he described as a lack of strong candidates among Democrats.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two elected terms. Repealing or circumventing it would require significant political effort, such as a constitutional amendment needing two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by 38 states. This process is widely viewed as highly improbable in the current political climate.
Recently, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon claimed that there is a “plan” to secure a third term for Trump, though he provided no details. Bannon told The Economist that “Trump is going to be president in ’28,” indicating ongoing speculation among some allies about Trump’s future role.
Trump’s comments come as the 2028 presidential election begins to take shape. On the Democratic side, figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris have expressed interest in running. Newsom admitted he is giving “serious thought” to a bid, while Harris told the BBC she may run again and could “possibly” be president in the future.
The discussion around Trump’s potential third term highlights broader debates about presidential power and term limits in the United States. While Trump has ruled out the VP loophole, his openness to another run ensures that this issue will remain a topic of political conversation and legal scrutiny in the years ahead.