On Tuesday, President Donald Trump made a notably clear statement acknowledging his inability to seek reelection in 2028.
Upon his arrival on the tarmac after disembarking from Air Force One, a reporter inquired, “Are you serious about seeking a third term?”
Trump responded, “Everybody asks me that question,” even though he actively promotes Trump 2028 merchandise and imagery, despite the 22nd Amendment prohibiting him from running again.
“The law is very strong on that. I’d love to run, but the law is very strong. I get asked by everyone, even tonight, they’re screaming at the event, ‘2028!’ No, everybody wants me to do it, but the law is very strong.”
Since his return to office, Trump has frequently entertained the idea of running again in 2028.
AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
In an interview with NBC News last year, he mentioned that “there are methods” that might allow him to run again.
Trump emphasized, “I’m not joking.”
Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally, asserted last year that Trump would indeed run again and emerge victorious.
“He’s gonna get a third term,” Bannon told The Economist. “Trump is gonna be president in ’28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that.”
Earlier this year, Trump circulated an image suggesting a third term should be a “reward” for a “stolen” election. At another point, he claimed he was “entitled” to another term.
Despite these statements, Trump has also acknowledged the legal barriers to another run.
“I would say that if you read it, it’s pretty clear,” he remarked last year. “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad, obviously.”
