Donald Trump admitted he cannot legally seek a third presidential term under the US Constitution, calling it “too bad” while expressing that he “would love to do it.” His comments aboard Air Force One reignited debate over his long-standing hints about extending his time in office. The statement followed remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who reaffirmed that a third term for Trump is constitutionally impossible. Yet, the former president continues to drop suggestive remarks and distribute “Trump 2028” memorabilia, blurring lines between jest and intent.
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Trump Concedes Constitutional Reality
Speaking to reporters during his flight from Japan to South Korea, Trump acknowledged the constitutional restriction on a third term. “If you read it, it’s pretty clear,” he said. “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.” His remarks appeared to signal acceptance of the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms, though he has often teased the idea of extending his presidency. “Based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run,” he added. “So we’ll see what happens.”
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Speaker Johnson Confirms Legal Limits
House Speaker Mike Johnson, one of Trump’s closest Republican allies, told reporters at the US Capitol that there was “no path” for Trump to stay in the White House beyond his current term. “He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson said, emphasizing that altering the 22nd Amendment would be a long, politically impossible process. He explained that passing a new amendment would require overwhelming support from Congress and the states.
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Dismissing Critics and “Trolling Democrats”
While reaffirming the constitutional limits, Johnson also sought to calm fears among Trump’s critics who warn of an authoritarian power grab. “He has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats,” Johnson said, suggesting Trump’s remarks were partly playful political theater. Johnson’s defense came amid growing chatter over Trump’s third-term comments and his habit of distributing merchandise that reads “Trump 2028.”
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Trump Keeps the Idea Alive
Despite acknowledging the two-term limit, Trump has repeatedly floated the notion of remaining in power. On Air Force One, he reiterated his enthusiasm for another run. “I would love to do it,” he said. The former president has occasionally allowed speculation to linger, with allies like Steve Bannon promoting the “third term” narrative as a symbol of continued dominance within the Republican Party.
22nd Amendment Roadblock
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, clearly prevents any US president from serving more than two terms. Legal experts have repeatedly affirmed that any attempt to bypass or reinterpret this rule would be unconstitutional. Johnson stressed that changing the amendment “would be a cumbersome, years-long process” requiring both congressional approval and ratification by three-fourths of the states, a nearly impossible feat in the current polarized political landscape.
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Trump’s “Trump 2028” Teasing
Trump’s public appearances and private gatherings have often featured hints of his continued political ambitions. Lawmakers and visitors to the White House have reportedly received “Trump 2028” hats as keepsakes, blurring whether these gestures are jokes or subtle political statements. “We know he’s thought about it,” said comedian Jon Stewart in response to Trump’s repeated allusions, suggesting the comments are more than casual trolling.
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Rejecting the Vice-Presidential Loophole
When asked whether he might attempt to return to office by running as vice president, a loophole some have speculated could theoretically allow him to reclaim power, Trump dismissed the idea outright. “You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that,” he said, calling such a strategy “too cute.” Instead, Trump praised fellow Republicans Marco Rubio and JD Vance as strong potential candidates for the next presidential race, signaling his intent to remain influential within the party rather than seek an unconstitutional path.