Former President Donald Trump has ruled out a run for vice-president in the upcoming 2028 election, a move some supporters speculated might allow him to navigate around the constitutional limitation on serving a third presidential term. While addressing reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Malaysia to Japan on Monday, Trump maintained a degree of ambiguity regarding his potential re-election bid, leaving room for speculation about his political future.
The 22nd Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits any individual from being elected president more than twice. Despite this, Trump has hinted at alternative methods that could theoretically allow him to extend his time in office, although most constitutional scholars dismiss these ideas as impractical. The former president has previously joked about the prospect of serving beyond the mandated two terms, playfully teasing supporters at rallies with “Trump 2028” merchandise.
In the conversation with the press, Trump stated, “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” referring to the idea of a third term. When pressed on whether he was ruling out a third term, Trump replied, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean you’ll have to tell me.” This statement has further fueled speculation about his intentions and the dynamics within the Republican Party as potential successors begin to jockey for position.
Some of Trump’s allies have suggested unconventional strategies to bypass the restrictions imposed by the 22nd Amendment. One idea is for Trump to run for vice-president while a different candidate seeks the presidency, subsequently resigning to allow Trump to reassume the presidency. When asked about this possibility, Trump remarked, “I’d be allowed to do that,” but quickly added, “I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.”
Despite his dismissal of a vice-presidential run, Trump expressed admiration for certain Republican figures, such as JD Vance, the current Vice-President, and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State. “I think if they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable. I really do. I believe that,” he commented. This reflects the ongoing complexity within the party as it navigates Trump’s legacy and potential future influence.
There has been considerable discussion among Trump’s supporters about circumventing the constitutional limitations. Steve Bannon, a former chief strategist for Trump, hinted at a plan to challenge the 22nd Amendment in a recent interview with The Economist. He stated, “At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is. But there is a plan.” Bannon characterized Trump as an “instrument of divine will,” a phrase that resonates with some of the former president’s own rhetoric.
As Trump continues to play a significant role in the Republican Party, the implications of his statements and actions are likely to shape the political landscape leading up to the 2028 election. The tension between his ambitions and the established constitutional framework remains a focal point for both supporters and critics alike.
