Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Trump Acknowledges Constitutional Limits on Third Term Bid
The President, Donald Trump, was asked about running for president again.
He told reporters that the rules, called the Constitution, say he cannot run for a third time.
He said it's a shame because he has very good poll numbers and would like to keep serving.
He also mentioned that he would not try to get around the rules in a tricky way, like becoming Vice President first.
A professor who studies the Constitution said these rules are very clear and hard to change.
Even though he can't run again, Trump said his political party has many other good people who could run in the future.
President Donald Trump stated that he is 'not allowed' to run for a third term due to constitutional limits.
Trump made these remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Japan to South Korea.
He acknowledged the clarity of the constitutional restriction, describing it as 'too bad' despite having high poll numbers.
Trump dismissed the idea of seeking a third term through a strategy like running for Vice President first, calling it 'too cute' and undesirable.
Constitutional law experts suggest any attempt to bypass the 22nd Amendment's two-term limit would likely fail.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump
- What
- Acknowledged constitutional limits preventing him from running for a third term, while dismissing potential loopholes.
- When
- Wednesday (reported comments made aboard Air Force One), with related comments on Monday.
- Where
- Aboard Air Force One, en route from Japan to South Korea.
- Why
- Responding to reporters' questions about a potential third term and constitutional restrictions.
Donald Trump's Statements
Constitutional/Legal Restrictions
Eligibility for a Third Term
Donald Trump's Statements
Acknowledged he is 'not allowed' to run for a third term due to constitutional limits, though he expressed it was 'too bad' given his high poll numbers.
Constitutional/Legal Restrictions
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution clearly prohibits any person from being elected to the office of President more than twice.
Exploring Loopholes
Donald Trump's Statements
Dismissed the idea of running as Vice President as a "too cute" and improper loophole that the public would not support.
Constitutional/Legal Restrictions
While theoretically allowed under law, a Vice Presidential run to then assume the presidency is viewed by legal experts as an attempt to circumvent the spirit of the 22nd Amendment.
- President's Stated Position
- Not allowed to run for a third term due to constitutional limits.
- Constitutional Basis
- 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two elected terms.
- Context of Remarks
- Made aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea.
- Date of Comments
- Wednesday (reported), following comments made Monday.
- Trump's View on Loophole
- Dismissed the idea of running as Vice President and then assuming the presidency as 'too cute' and something the public wouldn't like.
- Expert Opinion
- Constitutional law professor states any challenge to the two-term limit would likely fail due to clear language in the 22nd Amendment.
- Trump's Alternative
- Praised potential Republican successors within his administration, citing figures like Marco Rubio and JD Vance.
Sources
‘Don’t see a path for that’: US House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks up on third Trump presidency
‘It’s too cute’: Trump rules out VP run in 2028 but insists he ‘would love’ a third term; Republicans divided
‘I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution,’ Speaker Mike Johnson says, shutting down Trump third-term speculation
"Dont See Any Path For That": US House Speaker On Trump's 3rd Term
Will Donald Trump run for a third term in the Oval Office? Here's what the US President has to say
'Too Bad': Donald Trump Says 'Not Allowed' To Run For Third Term, Cites Constitution
'I’m Not Allowed To Run. It’s Too Bad’: Donald Trump On Constitutional Limits Over His Third Term