TOKYO — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed the idea of running for vice president in 2028, rejecting speculation that he might seek a backdoor route to a third presidential term.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Tokyo, Trump acknowledged that some of his supporters have floated the proposal as a way to extend his time in office. “I’d be allowed to do that,” he said. “But I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute. The people wouldn’t like that. It’s too cute. It wouldn’t be right.”
Trump’s comments follow weeks of playful hints — including the distribution of “Trump 2028” hats — and renewed debate over the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice.
Some of Trump’s allies have theorized that he could legally return to the presidency by serving as vice president under another Republican candidate who later resigns. Constitutional scholars, however, have broadly dismissed the notion as legally dubious.
“I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” Trump said when asked about a possible third term. But when pressed if he was ruling it out entirely, he replied ambiguously, “Am I not ruling it out? You’ll have to tell me.”
The president also praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying they could make strong contenders for the 2028 Republican ticket. “If they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable,” Trump said.
Trump is currently on a multi-nation Asia tour, with stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.