President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the U.S. Constitution prohibits him from running in 2028, despite previously saying he would “love to” run.
Published October 29, 2025
After reflecting on going above and beyond the call of duty, President Donald Trump acknowledged the limits set by the U.S. Constitution and expressed regret that he was not allowed to run for a third term.
“If you read it, it’s obvious,” President Trump told reporters Wednesday aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea. “I’m not allowed to run. It’s a shame.”
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The comments came a day after the president said he “would love to do that” and had not ruled out seeking a third term in the White House.
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits presidential terms to two terms, and Trump began his second term in January.
Changing that with a new amendment would be a 10-year process that would require votes in states and Congress.
Last week, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon said “plans” were being developed to ensure the 79-year-old president won re-election.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that after discussing the issue with President Trump, he had concluded that it would be impossible for the president to remain in the White House.
“It was a great campaign, but I think the president knows the constraints of the Constitution, and he and I have talked about it,” Johnson said.
Mr. Trump stopped short of characterizing his conversation with Mr. Johnson, and his explanation of the ban on a third term was somewhat inconclusive.
“From what I’ve read, it looks like I’m not allowed to run,” he said Wednesday. “So let’s see what happens.”
Trump, whose first term ran from 2017 to 2021, also recently displayed a red hat emblazoned with the slogan “Trump 2028” on his desk in the Oval Office.
A popular theory among his supporters is that Vice President J.D. Vance could run for president in 2028 on a ticket with President Trump.
When asked about his strategy for running for vice president and then taking the presidency himself, he dismissed the idea as “too cute.”
“You would be allowed to do that, but I won’t do that,” he said.
