Trump: I’m Not Able to Seek a Third Term

US President Donald Trump acknowledges that US law prevents him from seeking a third term, calling the restriction “too bad.”

After months of conflicting signals over his political future, US President Donald Trump has finally conceded that he is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third term, calling the restriction “too bad.”

“If you read it, it’s pretty clear,” Trump told reporters on board Air Force One on Wednesday as they flew from Japan to South Korea. I am prohibited from running. It’s too awful.

His remarks represent a significant change from previous declarations in which he consistently denied that a second run past 2028 was impossible. Even though the Constitution forbids him from running for office again, he insisted that his popularity remained high, adding, “I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had.”

Following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic four terms in office, the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was enacted in 1951, expressly prohibits anybody from winning the presidency more than twice. It would need to be ratified by at least 38 states and approved by two thirds of both chambers of Congress in order to be repealed or amended, which would be a drawn-out and difficult process.

One of Trump’s closest supporters, House Speaker Mike Johnson, stated earlier this week that there was “no path” for him to seek a third term. Johnson remarked, “He and I have discussed the limitations of the Constitution.” “He realizes that it isn’t possible.”

Johnson clarified that it would be “virtually impossible” to change the Constitution without years of broad bipartisan support.

However, several of Trump’s followers suggested that he may run as vice president in 2028 instead, which Trump rejected as a possible weakness. It’s just too adorable. He told reporters that the suggestion was “unnecessary” and that it wouldn’t be right.

The remarks seem to set Trump apart from recent assertions made by his former advisor Steve Bannon, who implied that there was a “plan” to get the president a third term. Many legal experts have dismissed such proposals as politically unfeasible and unconstitutional.

Trump alluded to developing successors inside his government, referring to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance as “unstoppable” leaders for the Republican Party’s future, even though he acknowledged the legal obstacle.

Although Trump has finally clarified his position, political analysts say his comments highlight his continued leadership in the GOP and his control over the course of US politics leading up to the 2028 election.