Trump Acknowledges He’s Barred from Running for Third Term, Calls It “Too Bad”
President Donald Trump appeared to close the door on speculation about a potential third term, acknowledging Wednesday that the U.S. Constitution clearly prohibits him from seeking another run at the White House. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump said, “It’s a very interesting thing. I have the best numbers for any president in many years. And I would say that, if you read it, it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”
The comments mark one of Trump’s most direct acknowledgments of the two-term limit set by the 22nd Amendment — a topic that has fueled both curiosity and controversy throughout his second term.
Despite dismissing the possibility of a third campaign, Trump praised the depth of leadership within the Republican Party, pointing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as promising figures for the next presidential race. “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people,” he said proudly.
Over the course of his presidency, Trump has referenced the idea of a third term multiple times — often in jest, but sometimes with a tone that left supporters wondering if he might find a way around constitutional limits. His remarks have energized parts of his base, with hundreds of thousands of supporters publicly urging him to “stay in the fight” and find another path back to power.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confirmed this week that he and Trump have discussed the constitutional restrictions. “It’s been a great run,” Johnson said. “But I think the president knows — and he and I’ve talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that.”
The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two terms. Still, speculation has persisted around possible legal loopholes — such as Trump potentially running as vice president — though most constitutional scholars agree such scenarios would likely be blocked.
For now, however, Trump seems content to reaffirm his role as the GOP’s dominant figure — even without a third campaign on the horizon. “We have great people,” he said, signaling confidence that his movement’s influence will endure well beyond his presidency.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr
