US President Donald Trump on Monday ruled out the possibility of running for vice president in the 2028 election, but notably stopped short of dismissing the idea of seeking athird presidential term — a move that would defy the US Constitution. The remarks, made aboard Air Force One during his flight from Malaysia to Tokyo, have reignited debates over whether Trump could legally find a way to extend his presidency beyond the two-term limit.
‘Too cute’ to run as vice president
Asked if he might consider running as vice president in 2028, Trump dismissed the notion. “I’d be allowed to do that,” he said, “but I wouldn’t. I think it’s too cute. The people wouldn’t like that. It wouldn’t be right.”
His comments appeared to reject a theory floated by some of his supporters — that Trump could run as vice president, then assume office if the elected president resigned.
However, when pressed about a third term, the 79-year-old leader appeared coy. “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” he said, before adding, “Am I not ruling it out? You’ll have to tell me.”
Can Trump run again? Legal experts say no
Trump’s remarks have revived a constitutional debate that has surfaced repeatedly during his political career. While he has often joked about “serving beyond the traditional limit,” experts say there is no legal pathway for him to seek a third term.
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1951, clearly restricts any person from being elected president more than twice.
“There was a concern about entrenching power in a kinglike manner,” explained Kimberly Wehle, a constitutional law professor at the University of Baltimore. “The amendment leaves no room for ambiguity.”
Could the Constitution be amended?
Amending the Constitution is theoretically possible — but in practice, nearly impossible in the current political climate. A proposed amendment would need approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, or from two-thirds of state legislatures calling for a constitutional convention. It would then require ratification by three-fourths of all states.
Earlier this year, Representative Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, introduced a resolution to allow presidents to serve up to three terms, specifically to enable Trump’s return. His proposal argued that Trump “has proven himself to be the only figure capable of reversing America’s decay and restoring greatness.”
However, the measure is widely seen as symbolic, with virtually no chance of success in a divided Congress.
Historical precedent: Roosevelt’s four terms
The only US president to serve more than two terms was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who won four consecutive elections between 1932 and 1944. His presidency — which spanned the Great Depression and World War II — prompted lawmakers to introduce term limits after his death in 1945.
Roosevelt’s unprecedented tenure raised fears of executive overreach. “Four terms, or sixteen years, is the most dangerous threat to our freedom ever proposed,” warned Thomas E. Dewey, Roosevelt’s 1944 opponent.
Speculation continues despite clear limits
While Trump’s comments may have been partly tongue-in-cheek, they underscore his continued dominance over US political discourse — and his willingness to test constitutional boundaries.
Legal experts maintain that any attempt to reinterpret the 22nd Amendment would likely face immediate judicial and political challenges. For now, Trump remains ineligible for a third term, even as his comments keep supporters and critics alike guessing about his next move.