President Donald Trump has declined to rule out running for a third term, despite the U.S. Constitution’s clear restriction limiting presidents to two terms.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, October 27, while travelling to Tokyo, Trump was questioned about comments made by his ally Steve Bannon, who recently predicted that Trump would be president again in 2028. When asked if he might challenge the constitutional limit in court, Trump replied, “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people, as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”
Pressed further on who he meant by “good people,” Trump mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio before adding, “I’m not sure if anybody would run again. I think if they have a form to grip it would be unstoppable. I really believe that. I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever.”
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. Yet Trump appeared to entertain the idea, pointing to what he described as his global achievements. “I mean, I just solved eight wars and a ninth is coming. I believe Russia-Ukraine will happen,” he said. “I mean, it’s millions of people we saved. I saved the lives of millions. That’s what’s important.”
When asked directly if he was ruling out a third term, Trump responded, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean, you’ll have to tell me.” He added, “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they don’t,” appearing to take a jab at the Democrats.
Last week, Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, told The Economist that Trump would “get a third term,” insisting that “there’s already a plan” to make it happen despite constitutional barriers. When asked how it would be possible under the 22nd Amendment, Bannon replied, “There are many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is, but there is a plan, and Trump will be the president in ’28.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has hinted at the idea. Following his 2024 election victory, he told House Republicans, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we’ve got to figure something else out.’”
