By Harshit, WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2025 — 6:30 AM EDT
President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed growing speculation about a potential third run for the White House, stating that the U.S. Constitution “pretty clearly” prevents him from doing so. His remarks came during a press interaction aboard Air Force One as he traveled to South Korea for a regional summit.
The president’s comments followed several days of political chatter fueled by allies suggesting that Trump’s popularity and influence might encourage efforts to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.
“I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had,” Trump told reporters. “And, you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run — so we’ll see what happens.”
Third-Term Talk Gains Attention
Rumors of a possible Trump 2028 campaign intensified earlier this month after former White House adviser Steve Bannon claimed in an interview with The Economist that “there is a plan” for Trump to pursue a third term. The remarks reignited discussion among conservative commentators and political analysts about whether Trump or his supporters might test the constitutional limits of presidential service.
Bannon’s comments drew widespread media coverage but little tangible support from within the administration or congressional Republicans. Several senior officials privately dismissed the notion as unrealistic, noting that Bannon no longer has close ties to the president’s inner circle.
Trump campaign aides have also stressed that no discussions about a 2028 run have taken place, describing the “third-term plan” as speculation meant to generate headlines.
Speaker Mike Johnson Rules Out Any Path
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key Trump ally, sought to end the speculation earlier this week. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Johnson said he had personally spoken with the president about the issue.
“It’s been a great run,” Johnson said. “But I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution — as much as so many of the American people lament that.”
He added that even if there were an appetite to amend the Constitution, any change would come long after Trump had left office.
When asked about Johnson’s remarks, Trump appeared to agree with the assessment, though he expressed disappointment that his strong polling and public support would not translate into another campaign.
“I don’t even want to talk about that,” Trump said. “The sad thing is, I have my highest numbers that I’ve ever had. But 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.”
Constitutional Limits Are Firm
Under the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, no person can be elected to the presidency more than twice. The amendment was enacted after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms in office and has since served as a firm limit on presidential tenure.
Legal scholars say any attempt to overturn or reinterpret the amendment would require a lengthy constitutional amendment process involving two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states — an almost insurmountable challenge in the current political climate.
“It’s one of the clearest and most politically entrenched limits in the U.S. Constitution,” said Professor Linda Feldman, a constitutional law expert at Georgetown University. “No serious effort to remove or bypass it has ever succeeded, nor is there any sign of one gaining traction now.”
Trump 2028 Hats and Public Jokes
While Trump has occasionally joked about serving beyond two terms, some of those remarks have been taken seriously by his supporters. Trump 2028 hats have reportedly appeared in a small office near the Oval Office, though White House aides say they are meant in jest.
The president himself acknowledged the hats but dismissed the idea that they reflect a real campaign plan. “People have fun with that stuff,” he said, smiling.
He also ruled out an alternative strategy that some allies floated — running as vice president in a future administration and then assuming the presidency through resignation or succession. “I think the people wouldn’t like that because it’s too cute. It wouldn’t be right,” Trump said. “But legally, I don’t know — maybe it could be done.”
A Message of Finality
Despite leaving a hint of ambiguity, Trump’s latest comments appear to settle the question — at least for now. With approval ratings reportedly higher than at any point in his presidency and his influence over the Republican Party still commanding, the president’s acknowledgment that he cannot run again underscores the enduring power of constitutional guardrails in U.S. democracy.
“It’s too bad,” Trump said, as Air Force One descended toward Seoul. “But we have a lot of great people.”