President Donald Trump shut down mounting speculation on Wednesday that he intends to seek a third term, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that the U.S. Constitution is “pretty clear” about presidential term limits.
“I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had, and, you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run,” Trump said while en route to South Korea. “I would say that if you read [the Constitution], it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”
The president added that the Republican Party has “a lot of great people” ready to carry the torch in 2028.
His comments come just days after former adviser Steve Bannon fueled speculation by claiming there is a “plan” for Trump to run again in 2028. “Trump is going to be president in 2028, and people just ought to get accommodated with that,” Bannon said in an interview with The Economist. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly states that no person can be elected to the presidency more than twice.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also dismissed the theory, saying on Tuesday, “It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution.”
Despite Trump’s clear acknowledgment of the constitutional limit, the idea of a third term has been a source of speculation — and outrage — particularly among Democrats and liberal commentators. Some have even pointed to Trump’s plans to renovate the East Wing of the White House, adding a ballroom, as “evidence” of intentions to remain in power past 2029.
Trump has played into the speculation at times, joking about running again and even selling “Trump 2028” hats through his official store. He was asked earlier this week about Bannon’s remarks and responded that he “would love” to run in 2028, though he also noted it was “not something I’m looking to do.”
Analysts suggest that Trump’s allies may be floating the idea strategically, to fend off lame-duck perceptions as his second term advances — preserving leverage and momentum as he continues to push his agenda.
For now, though, Trump’s comments leave little doubt: the Constitution stands in the way of a third term, and he knows it.
The post Trump Dismisses 2028 Rumors, Cites Constitutional Limits on Third Term appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
