U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed speculation that he could seek a third term in office, saying such a move “wouldn’t be right.”
Trump made the remark on Monday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, amid growing talk among his supporters about a possible 2028 return through a political loophole.
“I wouldn’t do it… I think it’s too cute. It wouldn’t be right,” Trump said when asked whether he would consider running for vice president in 2028 as a way to bypass constitutional limits.
The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment restricts presidents to two elected terms. Trump, who began his second term in January 2025, is barred from contesting again once his tenure ends.
However, some Republican supporters have floated a controversial theory that Trump could appear on the 2028 ballot as a vice-presidential candidate alongside current Vice President JD Vance.
Under that scenario, if Vance were to win and later resign, Trump could reassume the presidency—effectively securing a third term without a direct constitutional violation.
Trump acknowledged the idea was legally possible but rejected it as inappropriate. “I would be allowed to do that,” he admitted. “But it wouldn’t be right.”
The 79-year-old leader, who first served from 2017 to 2021, has repeatedly hinted that his political movement will continue long after his presidency ends.
He has even been spotted with red ‘Trump 2028’ hats displayed on his Oval Office desk, sparking speculation about his future ambitions.
The remarks came after Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House strategist and a leading figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, told The Economist there was a “plan” to keep Trump in power.
“He is going to get a third term,” Bannon said. “Trump is going to be president in ’28. And people just ought to get accommodated with that.”
When pressed about constitutional term limits, Bannon said, “There are many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.”
Despite these claims, Trump insisted he would respect the Constitution and not pursue an extended stay in power.
His comments come amid heightened political debate in Washington, as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections and early positioning for 2028 begins within the party.