WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday revived talk of a potential third term, telling reporters he “would love to do it,” even though the U.S. Constitution forbids it.
Speaking aboard Air Force One while en route to Japan, Trump told reporters he hasn’t given the idea much thought but noted his “best poll numbers” to date. “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people as you know…but I have the best poll numbers that I’ve ever had,” he said.
The president mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as possible successors, suggesting they could form a formidable campaign team. “We have one of them standing right here,” Trump said, gesturing to Rubio, who joined him on the flight.
“We have JD obviously, the vice president who’s great. Marco’s great. I’m not sure if anyone would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group it would be unstoppable.”
When pressed on whether he was ruling out running himself, Trump replied, “you’ll have to tell me.” He added, “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they don’t,” apparently referring to Democrats.
Under the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four elections, presidents are limited to two terms in office. Repealing that amendment would require approval from two-thirds of both chambers of Congress or two-thirds of state legislatures calling for a constitutional convention and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.
Despite the steep constitutional hurdles, Trump’s recurring comments have fueled debate across the political spectrum and kept his influence at the center of U.S. politics.
