by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON/TOKYO (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump has raised the possibility of seeking a third term in office, saying he is “not joking” about finding ways to do so despite current constitutional limits barring presidents from being elected more than twice.
Speaking Monday on his Air Force One plane on his way to Tokyo, Japan, a reporter cited recent comments by Trump ally Steve Bannon, who claimed last week that Trump would be president in 2028: “Is that something you’d be willing to challenge at the court to be able to do?”
“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,” Trump replied.
Pressed on who he would view as good people for the top job, Trump referenced Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “great people who could run for the office.”
However, he ruled out running for vice president himself in the 2028 election, saying, “I’d be allowed to do that. [But] I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute. Yeah, I would rule that out because it’s too cute. I think the people wouldn’t like that. It’s too cute. It’s not – it wouldn’t be right.”
12th AMENDMENT
Scholars say Trump is barred from running for vice president because he is not eligible to be president. The 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads: “No person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.”
Yet he declined to definitively say he would not seek a third term, after he repeatedly flirted with the idea of serving beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, joking about it at rallies and teasing supporters with “Trump 2028″ hats.
Some allies have taken those signals seriously, suggesting that they are exploring legal or political pathways to make it happen—a possibility dismissed by most constitutional scholars.
In weekend remarks cited by several U.S. outlets, including Reuters, Politico, and People Magazine, Trump claimed there were unspecified “methods” that might allow him to serve again after 2028. He did not elaborate on what those methods might be.
Under the Twenty-Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, however, “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Legal scholars say any attempt to seek a third term would face insurmountable constitutional barriers and likely spark a political and legal crisis.
THIRD TERM?
Some of Trump’s allies, including conservative strategist Steve Bannon, have publicly entertained the idea of a third term, framing it as part of a broader push to “finish what Trump started.”
Critics say the comments by the 79-year-old Trump reflect an erosion of respect for democratic norms, while supporters argue that Trump was speaking rhetorically about his enduring influence over U.S. politics and his ability to solve international conflicts, including those in the Middle East.
Trump, who returned to the White House in 2025, has not formally announced any plan to challenge the two-term limit.
But his repeated hints are already stirring debate in Washington about the future of presidential power and American democracy.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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