President Donald Trump has expressed his views on the possibility of a third presidential run in 2028, acknowledging it would disrupt political norms due to constitutional restrictions.
In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Trump discussed his national and global influence and addressed conjecture about extending his presidency beyond two terms.
“The first time, I had two things to do — run the country and survive,” Trump told the magazine. “And the second time, I run the country and the world.”
When probed about a potential third term, Trump recognized it would be a notable deviation from established precedent.
Despite these considerations, Trump admitted in the interview that “it’s not something that I’m looking to do” and acknowledged “it would be a very hard thing to do.”
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits presidents from being elected more than twice. This amendment was ratified in 1951, following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms.
Nonetheless, Trump has frequently hinted at a third term. In March, he told NBC News that “a lot of people want me to do it,” while acknowledging “we have a long way to go” in his current term.
Trump has also suggested potential legal methods to bypass constitutional limits. Last month, when asked about running again, he stated, “There are methods by which you could do it. “
One scenario presented by reporters involved Vice President J.D. Vance running for president in 2028 and potentially transferring power back to Trump after the election. Trump responded ambiguously, saying, “Well, that’s one.”
Constitutional scholars and legal experts assert that such suggestions face insurmountable obstacles. Amending the Constitution would require approval from two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures, a challenging feat in today’s divided political climate.
Despite these legal hurdles, the Trump Organization recently launched merchandise promoting a 2028 campaign. The company’s online store features a red “Trump 2028” hat modeled by Eric Trump, the president’s second son.
Kimberly Benza, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization, said that the new merchandise was introduced because “it’s amazing.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has addressed reporters’ questions regarding Trump’s third-term comments. She stated that journalists persist in inquiring about a third term, and he “answers honestly and candidly with a smile, and then everybody here melts down about his answer.”
Speculation surrounding Trump’s political future arises as he holds considerable domestic and international authority during his second term. In his Atlantic interview, Trump asserted that billionaires and tech leaders now show him greater respect than during his first term.
“Maybe they didn’t know me at the beginning, and they know me now,” he said, referencing tech magnates like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who attended his inauguration in January.
A rigorous approach to immigration enforcement has characterized Trump’s second term. When questioned about his deportation efforts and the possibility of mistakenly removing a legal resident or U.S. citizen, Trump replied that “nothing will ever be perfect in this world.”
The president has also proposed controversial measures concerning U.S. citizens. He recently instructed the Attorney General to examine the legal feasibility of detaining American citizens accused of crimes in foreign prisons, particularly in El Salvador. Legal experts have described this proposal as unconstitutional and violating civil liberties.
Trump’s second term has also seen notable changes in foreign policy. His “America First” strategy has led to withdrawals from international agreements and the imposition of tariffs on both allies and adversaries. Experts indicate that his unilateral approach marks a shift from traditional U.S. foreign policy, with some suggesting it could hasten the decline of American global influence.
While Trump continues to allude to extending his presidency beyond constitutional limits, any attempt to secure a third term would encounter significant legal challenges and broad opposition from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about maintaining constitutional norms.
