Esther Salifu
U.S President Donald Trump on Wednesday conceded that he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in office, even as talk of a possible 2028 campaign continues to swirl among his supporters.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he had seen his “highest poll numbers ever,” but acknowledged the legal limit imposed by the U.S. Constitution. “Based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run, so we’ll see what happens It’s too bad,” he said.
The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment restricts presidents to two elected terms. Trump, who served from 2017 to 2021 and began his second term in January, has frequently joked about remaining in office beyond that limit, often to the delight of his base.
Recently, Trump has been seen displaying red caps emblazoned with the slogan “Trump 2028” on the Oval Office desk, fueling speculation of future political plans. Some allies, including former adviser Steve Bannon, have hinted at efforts to keep Trump politically active or even explore unconventional paths to return him to power.
Bannon told The Economist last week that “there is a plan” for Trump to remain in the White House, adding that “people just ought to get accommodated with that.” When asked about the 22nd Amendment, he suggested there were “many different alternatives,” though he provided no details.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, dismissed any notion of a third Trump term. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday, Johnson said he had discussed the matter with the president and emphasized the constitutional restrictions.
“There is the 22nd Amendment,” “While the president enjoys teasing Democrats with the ‘Trump 2028’ slogan, the Constitution is explicit. I don’t see a path forward for changing it,it would take years and overwhelming support in Congress and among the states.”Johnson said.
Despite constitutional barriers, the speculation reflects Trump’s enduring influence within the Republican Party as he continues to shape its direction and cultivate potential successors. “We have a lot of great people,” Trump said Wednesday, hinting at future GOP leadership prospects.
