President Trump has mentioned two potential successors, Vice President J.D. V. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating a preference for them.
In a series of interviews, including one on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Trump stated he has “not seen” a pathway towards a third term, despite having previously entertained the idea.
“It’s too early to say that, but I have a vice president… JD does a great job,” Trump remarked.
During the same interview, he further reiterated that he is “not looking” to pursue another term in office.
“I don’t want to get involved in it. I think he’s a great, great guy. Marco is great. He’s great,” he continued. “There are a lot of good people at this party.”
Recently, Trump designated Rubio as his interim national security adviser, alongside his responsibilities as secretary of state and with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Some of Trump’s allies, like Steve Bannon, have publicly encouraged him to consider a fourth term, despite the restrictions of the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms.
While Trump has jokingly debated the idea before, he seems to convey he’s not entirely serious about it.
“I say this: So many people want to do it to me. I didn’t have that strong demand. But that’s something you’re not allowed to do as far as I know,” he noted.
“This isn’t what I’m trying to do. I’ve spent four years and want to hand it over to someone else. Ideally, I’m a great Republican.”
Experts suggest that a third term would either require amending the 22nd Amendment or exploiting loopholes in succession.
