In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Donald Trump clarified that he will not seek a third term as President of the United States. The former president stated that he intends to leave the White House after completing his second term, should he be re-elected, and will not attempt to extend his time in office.
“I’ll be president for eight years—two terms,” Trump said.
Back in March, Trump had raised eyebrows by saying he wasn’t joking about a possible third term. However, he now acknowledged the constitutional limits that would prevent such a move.
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Repealing that amendment would be extremely difficult, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or in two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states.
Trump said he hasn’t held any formal discussions about a legal pathway to a third term but admitted he’s heard “various ideas”—including one legally dubious scenario in which J.D. Vance would be elected president and then step aside in Trump’s favor.
Amid speculation about a potential third term, Trump’s campaign began selling red hats emblazoned with “Trump 2028.” Trump insisted he has no intention of running in 2028, saying his focus is on having “four great years” and then handing over power to a “great Republican.”
He also addressed the future leadership of the Republican Party, naming J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio as potential successors. While he suggested Vance might have an edge in a hypothetical primary contest, Trump declined to take sides.