Former U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that it was “too bad” he couldn’t pursue a third term in office, acknowledging the constitutional limit while hinting at his continued desire to serve. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way from Japan to South Korea, Trump admitted that the U.S. Constitution bars him from seeking another term, saying, “If you read it, it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run.” His comment reignited speculation about his political ambitions beyond his current tenure.
House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the same topic a day earlier, confirming that there was no legal path for Trump to remain in the White House beyond his second term. Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, said he and the president had discussed the matter directly. He explained that the 22nd Amendment prohibits anyone from serving more than two presidential terms and that changing it would require a lengthy and difficult constitutional amendment process involving both Congress and the states.
Despite acknowledging these limits, Trump did not entirely shut the door on the idea of a third term. He noted, “Based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run. So we’ll see what happens,” suggesting he might still entertain creative interpretations or symbolic gestures of defiance. Supporters around him have playfully embraced the notion — “Trump 2028” hats have been handed out at the White House, and his former campaign adviser Stephen Bannon has revived discussions about extending Trump’s influence into the next decade.
During his trip to Japan earlier in the week, Trump said he “would love” to serve another term, but also praised potential successors within his party. He mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as strong Republican figures who could lead in the next presidential race. When asked whether he might attempt to return as vice president — a technical loophole that could theoretically place him back in power — Trump laughed off the idea, calling it “too cute” and insisting he wouldn’t consider such a maneuver.
Trump’s latest remarks highlight his ongoing effort to test the limits of presidential authority and political influence. Even as constitutional boundaries remain firm, he continues to provoke debate over his future role in American politics. Speaker Johnson brushed off critics alarmed by Trump’s comments, suggesting the former president enjoys “trolling the Democrats.” Still, Trump’s words — and his actions, from deploying National Guard troops to accepting private donations for federal projects — show a leader eager to stretch his reach far beyond traditional constraints.
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