President Donald J. Trump has officially ruled out the possibility of seeking a third term in office, citing the constitutional two-term limit as the defining factor in his decision.
Speaking aboard Air Force One during his return from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, President Trump addressed growing speculation among supporters and political commentators regarding a potential 2028 presidential bid. “I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had, and you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run, so we’ll see what happens… It’s too bad,” the President remarked, acknowledging the constraints imposed by the U.S. Constitution.
The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly limits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice. President Trump, who served his first term from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected in 2024, began his second term in January 2025. His statement reaffirms his respect for the foundational legal framework of the United States.
In recent months, some of President Trump’s supporters have floated the idea of amending the Constitution to allow for a third term, citing his continued popularity and influence. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close ally of the President, also emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional norms. “We’ve discussed it,” Johnson said, “but the 22nd Amendment is clear. Changing it would be a long and complex process.”
President Trump’s decision to honor the constitutional limit comes amid record-high approval ratings and a strong economy. While he expressed disappointment at not being able to continue beyond 2028, he reiterated his focus on delivering results during his current term and ensuring a strong Republican successor.