Trump Says He’s “Not Allowed” To Run For Third Term
US President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of seeking a third term in office, saying he is “not allowed” to do so under the United States Constitution.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump acknowledged the constitutional restriction on presidential tenure, despite mounting speculation among his supporters about a potential 2028 bid.
“I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had, and you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run, so we’ll see what happens… It’s too bad,” he said.
The US Constitution limits presidents to two terms. Trump, who began his second term in January, previously served from 2017 to 2021.
He has frequently joked that some of his supporters want him to remain in power beyond his current tenure and has been seen displaying red caps with the slogan “Trump 2028” in the Oval Office.
Some supporters have floated the idea of a 2028 ticket featuring Vice President JD Vance, but Trump dismissed the speculation, saying it was “pretty clear” he could not run again. “But we have a lot of great people,” he added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also said he had discussed the issue with the president, confirming that there was no constitutional path for a third term.
“It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows — and he and I have talked about — the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson told reporters on Tuesday.
He cited the 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidents to two terms, and explained that amending it would be almost impossible. “You’d need two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states to ratify it. I don’t see the path for that,” he said.
Talks about a third term resurfaced after Trump’s former adviser, Steve Bannon, claimed there was “a plan” to keep Trump in office beyond his second term.
“He is going to get a third term… Trump is going to be president in ’28. And people just ought to get accommodated with that,” Bannon told The Economist.
When asked about the constitutional limit, Bannon hinted at unspecified “alternatives,” saying, “At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.”
AFP
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
