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President Donald Trump ruled out running for vice president in 2028, calling it "too cute," but declined to rule out seeking a third term, fueling speculation about extending his presidency.
US President Donald Trump.
UPDATED: Oct 27, 2025 23:51 IST
US President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed the idea of running for vice president in 2028 but stopped short of definitively ruling out a bid for a third term, fuelling speculation about his potential third term.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Malaysia to Tokyo, Trump rejected the idea of running as a vice-presidential candidate under another Republican, calling the idea “too cute” and saying “the people wouldn’t like that.” He added, “I’d be allowed to do that... but I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right.”
The suggestion stems from some supporters’ claims that Trump could return to the presidency if a running mate resigned after winning office. However, constitutional experts dismiss that theory, noting that the 12th Amendment bars anyone ineligible for the presidency from serving as vice president. The 22nd Amendment explicitly limits presidents to two elected terms.
Trump, 79, also appeared to leave the door open to a potential legal fight over a third term, saying when pressed, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean, you’ll have to tell me,” before adding that he hadn’t “really thought about it.”
Despite his age, Trump continues to project vigour, maintaining a busy travel and media schedule. During the 2024 campaign, he frequently criticised Joe Biden’s age and fitness, portraying himself as the more energetic leader.
Asked about possible Republican successors, Trump praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “great people” with strong prospects for 2028. “If they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable,” he said, as Rubio stood nearby and smiled modestly.
Trump’s ambiguous remarks have stirred uncertainty within the Republican Party, where potential contenders are already positioning themselves for the next race. Meanwhile, loyalists such as Steve Bannon have hinted at efforts to find ways around the 22nd Amendment. “Trump is going to be president in ’28, and people ought to just get accommodated with that,” Bannon told The Economist, suggesting that a plan was in motion.
While most constitutional scholars agree the path to a third Trump term is legally closed, the president’s continued hints ensure the debate will persist well into the 2028 election cycle.
- Ends
With inputs from Reuters
Published By:
Aashish Vashistha
Published On:
Oct 27, 2025
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