Trump Dismisses 2028 VP Run, Leaves Door Open to Third Term Talk/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has firmly rejected the idea of running as vice president in 2028, calling it “too cute,” but continues to leave the door open for a third-term bid. While constitutional scholars insist such a move is illegal, Trump allies hint at legal workarounds. Comments from figures like Steve Bannon suggest a strategy may already be in motion.
Trump 2028 Talk + Third Term Speculation: Quick Looks
- Trump dismisses VP run in 2028 as “too cute”
- Leaves third-term bid possibility open, says “I’d love to do it”
- Cites record-high approval numbers as a reason to continue
- Praises VP JD Vance and Sec. of State Marco Rubio as “unstoppable”
- Steve Bannon suggests plan to bypass constitutional term limits
- Constitutional experts reiterate third-term presidency is forbidden
- Debate adds uncertainty to GOP’s 2028 succession plans
Deep Look
Trump Rejects 2028 VP Bid, Fuels Third-Term Talk Amidst Constitutional Controversy
Aboard Air Force One en route from Malaysia to Tokyo, U.S. President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy by rejecting the idea of running for vice president in 2028 while continuing to flirt with the possibility of a third presidential term — a move that would violate the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump scoffed at the idea of returning to the White House via a vice-presidential backdoor, stating, “I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.” He added, “It wouldn’t be right. The people wouldn’t like that.” Trump acknowledged that the approach might be legally possible, but dismissed it as gimmicky and beneath the integrity of the office.
The speculation comes amidst increasing chatter from Trump’s allies who have been openly exploring legal workarounds to keep him in power beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, clearly prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice.
Additionally, the 12th Amendment states that no one constitutionally ineligible for the presidency can serve as vice president — reinforcing legal arguments that Trump could not legally run for the second-highest office either.
Despite these constitutional barriers, Trump declined to rule out a third-term run, fueling uncertainty. “I would love to do it,” he said when asked about a potential 2028 campaign. “I have my best numbers ever.” When pressed on whether he would consider challenging the legal restrictions in court, Trump replied, “I haven’t really thought about it,” suggesting a potential openness to pursuing unconventional paths.
This ambiguity has unsettled Republican plans for post-Trump leadership, especially as figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considered top contenders for 2028. Trump praised both men enthusiastically during the flight, stating:
“I think if they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable.” As Trump spoke, Rubio, standing nearby, responded with a humble chuckle, while Vance was not present during the exchange.
Behind the scenes, key Trump allies appear to be preparing for a more aggressive challenge to constitutional norms. Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist and long-time Trump confidant, told The Economist last week that plans are already in the works to circumvent the 22nd Amendment.
“Trump is going to be president in ’28, and people ought to just get accommodated with that,” Bannon claimed, asserting that a strategy exists and would be unveiled in due course. Bannon also described Trump as an “instrument of divine will,” echoing rhetoric that Trump has sometimes used to frame his political mission.
The push for a potential third term, whether rhetorical or part of a broader legal campaign, is likely to deepen division in the Republican Party. Some within the party are preparing for a leadership transition, while others continue to rally behind Trump, hoping he can defy institutional and legal boundaries yet again.
Political analysts suggest Trump’s messaging could be more about maintaining dominance within the GOP than an actual third-term pursuit. Nevertheless, the mixed signals keep his rivals off balance, and his base energized — a strategy he has deployed repeatedly throughout his political career.
Legal scholars, meanwhile, remain unwavering in their assessment: under current law, Trump cannot serve a third term, nor can he be vice president. Any attempt to do so would likely be tied up in legal battles and trigger a constitutional crisis.
As the 2028 race looms on the horizon, Trump’s refusal to offer a definitive no on a third term ensures that he remains the center of political attention — much as he has since first entering politics nearly a decade ago.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.