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President Donald Trump has once again raised questions about the possibility of serving a third term in the White House, saying he would "love to do it," though he dismissed suggestions that he could return in 2028 by running as vice president.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his trip through Asia, Trump said he had no interest in taking a back seat on a future ticket. "I'd be allowed to do that," he said of the vice-presidency. "But I wouldn't do that. I think it's too cute. Yeah, I would rule that out because it's too cute. I think the people wouldn't like that. It wouldn't be right."
The idea of Trump running as a vice-presidential candidate has been floated by some of his supporters as a way to bypass the U.S. Constitution, which bars presidents from being elected more than twice under the 22nd Amendment. The amendment can only be repealed through a complex process requiring approval from two-thirds of Congress or a constitutional convention — a highly unlikely scenario.
Trump, 79, said he had not seriously considered a third bid for the presidency but hinted that his popularity made it tempting. "Am I ruling it out? You'll have to tell me," he said. "I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever."
The president also praised several members of his administration as potential successors, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "They're great people," Trump said. "I think if they ever formed a group, it'd be unstoppable."
His comments come amid continued speculation from close allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, who told The Economist that a "plan" exists to keep Trump in the White House beyond his two terms. "Trump is going to be president in '28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that," Bannon said, adding that there were "many different alternatives" to make it happen.
Trump, who has previously sold "Trump 2028" hats and joked about extending his presidency, said he is focused for now on his foreign trip, which includes meetings in Japan and South Korea. "I've got a lot of respect for President Xi," he told reporters, adding that he hoped to reach a trade agreement during his visit.
