Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on October 27, while traveling from Malaysia to Tokyo, Trump revealed that some of his supporters had encouraged him to run as vice president alongside another candidate — allowing him to assume the presidency if that person later stepped down.
“I could do it, the law allows it, but I won’t,” Trump said. “That would be too sneaky, and people wouldn’t like it. It’s just not right.”
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bars any individual from being elected president more than twice. Many legal scholars interpret the 12th Amendment as also prohibiting Trump from serving as vice president, since it states that anyone ineligible for the presidency cannot hold the vice presidency either.
Trump has often joked about running for president again during campaign rallies, and his campaign team has even marketed “Trump 2028” hats.
When asked aboard Air Force One about the possibility of seeking a third term, Trump replied:
“I’d love to do it. My approval ratings are the highest they’ve ever been.”
However, he stopped short of making any official declaration and said he had not seriously considered challenging term limits in court.
Still, some of Trump’s allies are reportedly exploring ways for him to remain in power. Steve Bannon, former White House strategist, told The Economist that “a plan is already in place” for Trump to serve another term.
“Trump will be president in 2028. People should get used to it. When the time is right, we’ll announce the plan,” Bannon said.
Trump, who would be 82 years old in 2028, would become the oldest president in U.S. history if he were to serve again. Throughout the 2024 campaign, he frequently criticized his Democratic rival Joe Biden for being too old and lacking the stamina to lead effectively.
Despite his age, Trump has maintained a packed public schedule during the first ten months of his current term, frequently engaging with the press even during long overseas trips. Two separate medical evaluations have reported positive health results, according to the White House.