Washington, Oct. 29, 2025 – US President Donald Trump conceded Wednesday that it was “pretty clear” the Constitution didn’t allow him to seek a third term as president, despite frequently floating the idea in recent months.
“If you read it, it’s pretty clear, I’m not allowed to run,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that the “sad thing” is that he currently was enjoying high political support.
Trump’s comments came after House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he did not “see the path” for Trump to seek a third term.
“It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that,” Johnson said.
“I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about 10 years to do that,” the House speaker continued, noting that it requires two-thirds majority votes in the House and Senate, plus ratification by three-fourths of the US states.
“I don’t see the path for that, but I can tell you that we are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal.”
Trump has frequently teased another run, despite the constitutional limits, including showing off “Trump 2028” hats in a meeting with congressional leaders earlier this month to discuss the government shutdown.
Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon said in a recent interview with the Economist magazine that people “ought to just get accommodated” with the notion of the president getting a third term.
“There’s many different alternatives,” Bannon said when asked about the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution, which prohibits seeking a third term. “At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.”
Earlier this week, Trump knocked down the idea of seeking another term by running as a vice presidential candidate, and then having the presidential candidate atop the ticket resign after winning.
He called the idea “too cute” and said the GOP had a deep bench of good candidates, including his vice president, JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Bloomberg)
