Allow AOC to challenge Trump

Trump Discusses Future Political Plans

In Tokyo, President Trump announced on Monday that he would not serve as Vice President J.D. Vance’s running mate to bypass the two-term limit established by the Constitution. However, he remains interested in a potential run in the future and even speculated about a matchup against New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2028.

During an interaction with a reporter, Trump, at 79, responded to claims made by former chief strategist Steve Bannon about a secret scheme that could potentially sidestep the 22nd Amendment. “I would love to do that. My numbers are the best, and they are really not. I have the best numbers,” he remarked while traveling on Air Force One en route to discuss diplomatic matters with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Currently, Trump’s approval rating stands at 45.1%, as noted by recent polling averages, which some interpret as a strategy to avoid appearing like a lame duck and to provoke the Democratic Party. They’ve hinted at final candidates and even distributed “Trump 2028” hats to visitors at the White House.

Bannon asserted in an interview with The Economist that a plan exists for Trump to secure a third term, suggesting it would be revealed at the right moment.

Trump explicitly dismissed the notion of running with Vance and then having Vance resign to circumvent the two-term limit, stating, “The public won’t like it. It’s too clever. It’s just not right,” while speaking to reporters.

He mentioned the possibility of Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio forming a strong Republican ticket but left the option open for himself as well. “We have a fantastic group of people, but they just don’t have it. [Texas Rep.] Jasmine Crockett, a person with a low IQ. And AOC, I mean, let’s be real. Give her an IQ test,” he said.

Trump’s earlier comments to CNBC suggested he was “probably not” pursuing a third term, yet he told NBC in March that he was serious about running again.

He also shared that he underwent an MRI during his recent annual physical, although he didn’t elaborate on the reasons, simply stating, “It was perfect.”