United States President Donald Trump has publicly conceded that the US Constitution prevents him from running for a third term, ending weeks of speculation sparked by his recent remarks about possibly extending his time in office.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday, while flying from Japan to South Korea, Trump said:
“If you read it, it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”
The comment marks a rare moment of acknowledgment from the president, who only a day earlier had said he would “love” to run again in 2028, despite clear constitutional limits.
The 22nd Amendment and Trump’s 2028 Hopes
Under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, no person can be elected president more than twice. Trump began his second term in January 2025, following his successful campaign to return to the White House after his 2021 departure.
Changing that amendment would require a constitutional revision, a process that experts say could take a decade or longer and would demand supermajority support in Congress and ratification by three-quarters of US states—an unlikely prospect.
Still, Trump’s musings about a third term have continued to dominate political discourse, fueling debate among supporters and opponents alike. His statement, “It’s too bad,” echoed both frustration and defiance, underscoring his desire to remain a central figure in American politics beyond 2028.
Talk of a “Third Term Plan”
Speculation intensified last week when Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, told media outlets that a “plan” was being drafted to enable Trump to run again. However, political and legal experts swiftly dismissed the claim as unconstitutional and unrealistic.
Even House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, admitted that he had spoken to the president about the issue and confirmed the impossibility of overturning the 22nd Amendment.
“It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows—and he and I have talked about—the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson said on Tuesday.
Trump avoided directly confirming that conversation but reiterated that the law appears unambiguous:
“Based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run. So we’ll see what happens.”
The “Trump 2028” Buzz
Adding to the intrigue, Trump was recently photographed with red “Trump 2028” hats displayed in the Oval Office—a move that many interpreted as political trolling or a symbolic show of ambition.
The merchandise quickly spread across social media, sparking hashtags like #Trump2028 and #ThirdTermTalk among his supporters. Analysts suggest that the branding could serve to energize Trump’s base ahead of the 2026 midterms and maintain his dominance in Republican politics.
Could Trump Run as Vice President?
Some of Trump’s most ardent supporters have floated a controversial workaround—suggesting that Trump could run as vice president alongside a political ally, such as current Vice President JD Vance, and then assume office later.
Trump, however, appeared to reject that scenario outright.
“You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that,” he said, calling the idea “too cute.”
Constitutional scholars agree that even this path would likely violate the spirit of the 22nd Amendment, which was designed to prevent any individual from holding executive power for more than two elected terms.
Political Context and Trump’s Legacy
Trump’s acknowledgment comes amid a tense global environment, with the president juggling foreign summits in Asia and managing escalating tensions with Russia and China. Despite constitutional constraints, he remains one of the most influential figures in US politics—commanding unwavering loyalty from his base and continuing to shape the Republican Party’s 2028 strategy.
Political observers say Trump’s comments may be part of a broader narrative designed to frame him as indispensable, reinforcing his brand even as he approaches the constitutional end of his presidency.
“He’s reminding voters that he’s the central figure in American politics,” said Dr. Elise Warren, a political historian. “By lamenting the constitutional limit, he fuels both nostalgia and loyalty among his supporters.”
The Road Ahead: Post-2028 Scenarios
While a third presidential term is off the table, Trump’s political influence is unlikely to fade. Many insiders predict that he will play a kingmaker role in 2028—endorsing candidates, shaping party platforms, and potentially grooming JD Vance or another loyal successor.
Trump himself hinted at such a future, telling reporters that while he “can’t run again,” he would continue to “help make America great again—again.”
Leave a Reply