Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump has clarified that the US Constitution prohibits him from seeking a third term in office. The statement, made on board Air Force One while en route to South Korea for a regional summit, follows a period of speculation fueled by suggestions from some allies regarding his eligibility for an additional term.
Trump told reporters that it is “pretty clear” he is not allowed to run again, adding, “It’s too bad. But we have a lot of great people.” He also noted his current “highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had” during the impromptu remarks.
Constitutional Limits and Political Discussions
The President’s comments came after House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly addressed the issue. Johnson informed reporters on Tuesday that he had discussed the possibility of a third term with Trump but saw no viable path, emphasizing that any constitutional amendment would occur long after Trump would have left office. “I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson stated.
When asked about his conversation with Johnson, Trump declined to elaborate directly, reiterating his understanding of the constitutional barrier. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits a president to two terms, or a maximum of 10 years if they complete two years or less of another president’s term.
Origins of Speculation
Speculation about a potential third term for Trump has arisen periodically, with instances such as “Trump 2028 hats” appearing near the Oval Office and Trump himself previously joking about the idea. The attention intensified recently after Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, claimed in an interview with The Economist that “there is a plan” for Trump to run for a third term.
However, Bannon’s proximity to the President’s inner circle is reportedly diminished since Trump’s first term, with some White House officials viewing his comments as an attempt to garner attention. Speaker Johnson’s swift dismissal of the idea further underscored the lack of support for such a move among key Republican figures.
Dismissal of Other Pathways
Trump also recently ruled out a proposed workaround involving him running as vice president with the intention of later ascending to the presidency if the elected president resigned. He characterized such a maneuver as “too cute” and “not right,” despite attempting to reserve the legal right to pursue it.
Despite past rhetoric and persistent rumors, Donald Trump has now explicitly acknowledged the constitutional limitations preventing him from seeking a third term as president.
