Trump Acknowledges Constitution Bars Third Term Amid Speculation by Allies

President Donald Trump has publicly recognized that the U.S. Constitution prevents him from seeking a third presidential term, following weeks of speculation fueled by some of his allies.

“If you read it, it’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, the final stop on his three-country Asia tour. His remarks come after he previously expressed that he would “love” to run again but admitted that doing so “wouldn’t be right,” noting he believes others, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, could be suitable candidates for 2028.

The comments arrive amid a faction of Trump supporters promoting the idea of a third term, even producing “Red 2028” Trump hats. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon has claimed there is a “plan” for Trump to circumvent the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice—a measure enacted following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms and ratified in 1951.

Some allies, including Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), have taken steps to challenge this constitutional limit. Ogles introduced a bill proposing an amendment to allow Trump a third term. A conservative advocacy group, Republicans for National Renewal, has launched the Third Term Project, urging Republican lawmakers to consider supporting the effort. Their white paper argues that “truly exceptional leaders” may need more time in office to achieve long-term national goals, and the group plans a December event at Turning Point USA’s America Fest in Phoenix to promote the initiative.

However, other Republican leaders have dismissed the idea. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said that while Democrats may be alarmed by the notion of a third term, “I don’t see the path for that,” noting that constitutional amendments typically take years to enact.

Trump’s acknowledgment comes as he continues his Asia tour, set to meet South Korean leaders and host a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan. On Air Force One, Trump also confirmed he is considering lowering tariffs on China if Beijing takes steps to curb fentanyl entering the United States.

This episode highlights the ongoing tension between Trump’s enduring influence among some GOP factions and the legal and constitutional realities that restrict his political ambitions.