The President of the United States, Donald Trump, admitted this Wednesday (29) that it is “very clear” that the Constitution does not allow him to seek a third term as president, despite having frequently raised the idea in recent months.
“If you read it, it’s pretty clear, I can’t run,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that the “sad thing” is that he currently enjoys high political support.
Trump’s comments came after House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that he does not “see a path” for Trump to seek a third term.
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“It’s been a great trajectory, but I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about the limitations of the Constitution, as much as many Americans lament that,” Johnson said.
“I don’t see how to amend the Constitution, because that takes about 10 years to happen,” continued the president of the Chamber, highlighting that a two-thirds majority vote in the Chamber and the Senate is necessary, in addition to ratification by three-quarters of the American states. “I don’t see a path for that, but I can say that we won’t take our foot off the accelerator.”
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Trump has frequently hinted at a new candidacy despite constitutional limits, including sporting “Trump 2028” hats at a meeting with congressional leaders earlier this month to discuss the government shutdown. Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon said in a recent interview with the Economist magazine that people “should get used to” the idea of the president getting a third term.
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“There are a lot of different alternatives,” Bannon said when asked about the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits seeking a third term. “At the appropriate time, we will present what the plan is.”
Earlier this week, Trump dismissed the idea of seeking another term by running as a vice presidential candidate, and then having the top presidential candidate resign after winning. He called the idea “very smart” and said the Republican Party has a strong roster of good candidates, including his vice president, JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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