US President Donald Trump expressed regret over his inability to run for a third term, acknowledging the constitutional limitations despite his stated desire to continue serving the country.
During his flight on Air Force One from Japan to South Korea on Wednesday, Trump told reporters, "The text of the Constitution is clear on this point. I am not allowed to run, and that's a real shame."
Trump's remarks, which echoed his intermittent speculation about a third term, came a day after House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that Trump's continued presidency was impossible. Johnson, a Republican close to Trump, told reporters at the Capitol, "I don't see any legal path to that," explaining that he had discussed the matter with the president and was assured of his understanding of the constitutional restrictions.
Johnson cited the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits a third term, noting that amending it would require a complex process that would take years and necessitate approval from both the states and members of Congress. Johnson dismissed concerns about a potential third term as "overblown," adding, "The president sometimes enjoys provoking a reaction from Democrats." For his part, Trump did not elaborate on his conversation with Johnson, simply stating, "Based on what I've read, I believe I'm not allowed to run, so we'll wait and see what happens." Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of remaining in power on numerous occasions, with commemorative hats bearing the slogan "Trump 2028" being distributed to visitors and officials at the White House. Furthermore, Steve Bannon, Trump's 2016 campaign manager, has revived the idea of a third term.
Will Trump run for a third term?
