President Donald Trump said Wednesday that “it’s too bad” he cannot run for a third presidential term, acknowledging the limits set by the Constitution while hinting at continued political ambitions.
“If you read it, it’s pretty clear,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea. “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”
Trump’s remarks follow comments from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said it would be impossible for Trump to remain in the White House beyond two terms. Johnson noted that the 22nd Amendment bars a third term and that changing it would require a complex, decade-long process involving Congress and the states.
Trump has repeatedly teased the idea of staying in power. Trump supporters and former aides, including Stephen Bannon, have revived discussion of a “Trump 2028” campaign, though the president has acknowledged the constitutional barrier.
Asked about possible workarounds, such as running as vice president to regain the presidency, Trump dismissed the notion as “too cute” and said he would not pursue it.
Despite the limits, Trump continues to exert influence over government actions, from deploying National Guard troops to guiding responses during the federal government shutdown, demonstrating his willingness to push presidential authority.
Johnson defended Trump’s comments, framing them as political theater that energizes supporters and “trolls the Democrats.”
