Trump Says ‘It’s Too Bad’ He Can’t Run for a Third Term/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump acknowledged Wednesday that the Constitution prevents him from seeking a third term, calling it “too bad” as he traveled in Asia. House Speaker Mike Johnson reaffirmed there’s no path to change the 22nd Amendment. Despite constitutional limits, Trump hinted at future political involvement and praised potential GOP successors.
Trump Third Term Speculation Quick Looks
- Trump says, “I’m not allowed to run,” referencing constitutional limits.
- Speaker Mike Johnson confirms no legal path to a third term.
- Trump discusses GOP options, praises Rubio and JD Vance.
- Trump rejects VP loophole idea as “too cute.”
- “Trump 2028” hats still circulate in D.C. circles.
- Comments made aboard Air Force One between Japan and South Korea.
- Johnson says Trump enjoys “trolling the Democrats.”
- Constitutional ban on third terms stems from the 22nd Amendment.
- Trump suggests interest in staying active in GOP leadership.
- Trump’s actions raise broader questions about presidential powers.
Deep Look: Trump Acknowledges Third Term Ban, Says ‘It’s Too Bad’
GYEONGJU, South Korea — October 29, 2025 — President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he is constitutionally barred from running for a third term, while still expressing regret that he cannot seek reelection again.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled from Japan to South Korea, Trump said bluntly, “If you read it, it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”
His remarks come amid persistent speculation — fueled by political supporters and provocative merchandise — about Trump’s intentions post-2028. Despite the legal limitations of the 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidents to two terms, Trump continues to float hypotheticals and suggest continued involvement in American politics.
Speaker Johnson Reaffirms Constitutional Limits
Trump’s comments closely followed statements from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who told reporters Tuesday at the Capitol that there is no viable path for Trump to remain in office beyond two terms.
“I don’t see the path for that,” Johnson said. “He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution.”
Johnson emphasized that altering the Constitution would require a new amendment — a complicated, time-consuming process involving both houses of Congress and ratification by the states.
“It would be a decade-long process,” he added.
Still, Johnson downplayed concerns, saying, “We’re not taking our foot off the gas pedal. We’ve got a great run ahead of us — he’ll have four strong years.”
Trump Hints at Future Involvement
While Trump appeared to accept the legal limitations, his tone left room for ambiguity.
“Based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run,” he repeated. “So we’ll see what happens.”
Asked whether he might pursue a vice presidential strategy — one legal workaround that would allow him to be elected VP and ascend to the presidency if the office became vacant — Trump dismissed it outright as “too cute.”
“You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that,” he said.
During his trip, Trump also praised potential successors within the Republican Party, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom joined him during stops in Japan and Washington this week.
“All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people,” he said, signaling that he intends to help shape the GOP’s future direction.
“Trump 2028” and Political Theater
Despite his constitutional limits, speculation around a third Trump term persists. Souvenir hats reading “Trump 2028” have been spotted circulating among White House visitors, and Stephen Bannon, Trump’s former campaign chief and now a conservative podcaster, has revived talk of finding a path to extend Trump’s time in office.
Speaker Johnson appeared to shrug off these discussions, characterizing them as political trolling rather than policy planning.
“He has a good time with that — trolling the Democrats,” Johnson said.
Trump Pushes Boundaries of Presidential Power
Though constitutionally constrained in terms of reelection, Trump’s recent actions highlight his continued appetite for executive power. He has deployed National Guard troops to cities despite resistance from state governors and accepted large private donations to pay military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown.
He’s also using private funds to renovate parts of the White House, including construction of a new White House ballroom.
These decisions raise ongoing concerns among critics about Trump’s willingness to stretch presidential authority and his broader ambitions — even as the Constitution sets clear term limits.
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