Trump Addresses Prospects of a Third Presidential Term

Former President Donald Trump addressed questions about running for a third presidential term in 2028. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump responded to media inquiries with a firm stance on the legal limitations. “The law is very strong on that,” he stated. He mentioned the enthusiasm of supporters at the Patriot Games event, but emphasized, “Everybody wants me to do it, but the law is very strong.”

According to Section 1 of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, no person can be elected president more than twice. This amendment was ratified in 1951, following the tenure of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served four terms. Prior to Roosevelt, U.S. presidents adhered to a tradition of serving no more than two terms, a custom initiated by George Washington.

Throughout Trump’s second term, he has humorously suggested the idea of a third term while hinting at its potential viability. During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on July 24, 2026, Trump joked about the possibility, wearing a “Trump 2028” hat. “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better… And the third time will be better yet. I’m only kidding,” he quipped.

In March 2025, Trump made remarks to NBC’s Kristen Welker that seemed less in jest. He explored hypothetical scenarios where he could achieve a third term, such as running with Vice President JD Vance. If Vance were elected president and then resigned, Trump could theoretically assume the presidency. However, Trump’s comments were met with skepticism from constitutional scholars. Deborah Pearlstein of Princeton University noted that the 12th Amendment precludes such a strategy, making it unlikely Trump could serve a third term through the vice presidency.