“The President’s term has been truly remarkable. However, I believe he fully understands — and I’ve told him many times — the constitutional limitations,” Johnson said on October 28 in Washington, responding to media questions about Trump’s recent comments on possibly running again in 2028.
The U.S. Constitution, under the 22nd Amendment, states that no person may be elected president more than twice. Legal scholars have also argued that Trump cannot serve as vice president either, since the 12th Amendment specifies that anyone ineligible for the presidency cannot hold the vice presidency.
“I don’t see any way to amend the Constitution. That process would take about ten years,” Johnson said, noting that any constitutional amendment must first pass with a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate, and then be ratified by three-fourths of all 50 states. “I don’t see that happening, but I never stop trying,” he added.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on October 27, while en route from Malaysia to Japan, President Trump said that “the law allows” him to run as vice president alongside another candidate. Under such a scenario, he could theoretically return to power if the elected president were to resign. However, Trump dismissed the idea himself, calling it “too tricky” and saying that “the American people wouldn’t support it.”
Trump has repeatedly joked about running for president again during campaign rallies with supporters. His team has even begun selling “Trump 2028” hats — which, according to Johnson, have become “one of the best-selling items ever,” though he insisted the slogan is merely a way to “tease the Democrats.”
Still, some of Trump’s allies appear to be taking the idea more seriously. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon told The Economist that “a plan is already in place” to ensure Trump serves another term.
“Trump will be president in 2028 — people should get used to that. When the time is right, we’ll unveil the plan,” Bannon said.