Trump’s Speculation on 2028 Presidential Run
President Trump has hinted at the possibility of running again in 2028, with some of his allies suggesting he’s considering pushing the boundaries of the two-term limit set by the Constitution.
Discussion surrounding Trump’s potential candidacy for 2028 has been frequent, even with the president making light-hearted comments during interviews and public events. Recently, Steve Bannon, a former top adviser and ally, indicated he has a “plan” to keep Trump in office, which reignited these conversations.
On a flight to Japan, Trump was somewhat evasive when asked about running again, expressing he would “love” to do so. However, he dismissed suggestions that he might run as a vice presidential candidate, instead pointing to two potential successors: Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I would love to do that. I have the best numbers in history. … Why don’t I rule it out? You have to tell me. All I can say is we have great talent,” Trump remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One.
As Trump approaches 82 in 2028, he has broached the topic of a third term multiple times during the early months of his second term, which he is barred from pursuing due to the 22nd Amendment.
Some supporters view this talk as a way to annoy his detractors and maintain focus on him as he heads into a potentially transitional phase leading to 2028.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is just trolling,” said a Republican strategist. Yet, Trump has maintained he’s serious about the prospect. Meanwhile, critics see the suggestion of a third term as part of a troubling trend wherein Trump undermines established norms to solidify his authority.
The conversation around Trump’s ambitions has largely evolved from Bannon’s recent comments, despite him not holding a formal position within the White House or Trump’s political efforts. In a media interview, Bannon asserted, “Well, he’s going to get a third term. So, Trump ’28, Trump’s going to be president in ’28, and the people should adjust to that.”
When asked about the 22nd Amendment, Bannon suggested that “there are a lot of options” and hinted at unveiling plans later without providing specifics. To amend the Constitution to allow Trump a third term would require significant political maneuvering. There’s also been talk about Trump potentially running for vice president under another candidate, then having that candidate resign, but Trump himself dismissed this suggestion.
“You could do that, but I don’t want to. I wouldn’t do that,” he said, labeling the idea as “too cute” and confirming he would rule it out.
A White House source dismissed the recent speculation as typical of Bannon’s provocative nature, noting, “Mr. Bannon is very good at making news.”
Among the few aligning with the vision of Trump 2028 is Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who proposed a constitutional amendment to allow Trump to run again by creating an exception for members of Congress who have had non-consecutive terms.
In January, a group at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) backed what they called the “Third Term Project,” advocating for supporters to rally behind Ogles’ efforts to extend presidential term limits from eight to twelve years.
However, any ideas requiring a constitutional amendment likely face insurmountable challenges in Congress and among the states necessary for ratification.
Some Trump supporters speculate that discussions about a third term may be a strategy for the president to raise funds and maintain attention, thereby preventing a shift toward other emerging Republican candidates.
Trump has also pointed out Vance and Rubio as strong contenders for his administration. He stated, “Obviously we have JD. The vice president is great. I think Marco is great too. I don’t know if there’s anyone who can compete with those two. Once they form a group, I think it’s unstoppable. I really do.”
