Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Oct 30, 2025
Outside the box.
Trump Acknowledges Constitutional Limit Bars Him From Seeking a Third Term
Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump admits the 22nd Amendment clearly prevents him from running again in 2028
President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged that the United States Constitution prevents him from seeking a third term, apparently ending months of speculation that he might pursue a way to stay in office beyond January 2029. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump said, “If you read it, it’s pretty clear.
I’m not allowed to run.
It’s too bad.
But we have a lot of great people.” His comments follow remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said there was “no path” to amend the Constitution before the next election cycle.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states that no individual can be elected president more than twice.
Trump, who first served from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected in 2024, would therefore be ineligible to run in 2028 unless a constitutional amendment were passed—a process Johnson noted would likely take a decade.
“I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about ten years to do that,” Johnson told reporters earlier this week.
“The president knows that, and he and I have talked about it.”
For months, Trump has fueled speculation about a possible third term, at times joking about serving longer while selling “Trump 2028” hats through his campaign store.
Some allies, including former White House strategist Stephen Bannon, suggested there was a “plan” for Trump to remain president beyond two terms, though no legal mechanism exists for that.
Trump dismissed one suggestion from supporters that he could run as vice president and then retake the presidency, calling it “too cute” and “not right.”
While his acknowledgment appears to settle the question for now, Trump also hinted that he intends to play a central role in shaping the next Republican ticket.
He praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, saying they would make an “unstoppable team.” The president’s remarks suggest he will remain an influential figure in Republican politics even as constitutional limits prevent another run.
I’m not allowed to run.
It’s too bad.
But we have a lot of great people.” His comments follow remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said there was “no path” to amend the Constitution before the next election cycle.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states that no individual can be elected president more than twice.
Trump, who first served from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected in 2024, would therefore be ineligible to run in 2028 unless a constitutional amendment were passed—a process Johnson noted would likely take a decade.
“I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about ten years to do that,” Johnson told reporters earlier this week.
“The president knows that, and he and I have talked about it.”
For months, Trump has fueled speculation about a possible third term, at times joking about serving longer while selling “Trump 2028” hats through his campaign store.
Some allies, including former White House strategist Stephen Bannon, suggested there was a “plan” for Trump to remain president beyond two terms, though no legal mechanism exists for that.
Trump dismissed one suggestion from supporters that he could run as vice president and then retake the presidency, calling it “too cute” and “not right.”
While his acknowledgment appears to settle the question for now, Trump also hinted that he intends to play a central role in shaping the next Republican ticket.
He praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, saying they would make an “unstoppable team.” The president’s remarks suggest he will remain an influential figure in Republican politics even as constitutional limits prevent another run.
