U.S. President Donald Trump has shot down speculation that he might pursue a “backdoor” path to power in 2028 by running for Vice President, though he openly maintained his desire for a third presidential term.
Speaking to journalists in Tokyo during his tour of South Asian nations, Trump was directly asked about the legal theory. The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment bars a person from being elected president more than twice, but does not explicitly prevent them from serving as Vice President.
When asked if he would consider running for VP in 2028, Trump rejected the idea. “I am legally allowed to do it,” he acknowledged, “but I wouldn’t do it.” He characterized the move as something that “would look like a bit of a gimmick” and added, “It wouldn’t be right.”
However, Trump immediately pivoted to his continued political ambitions, stating, “I’d love a third term. And my numbers are great right now.”
This prompted a follow-up question from a reporter: “So you’re not totally ruling out a third term?”
In a characteristically vague manner, Trump replied, “Am I not ruling it out? You tell me.”
The exchange suggests that while Trump dismisses the specific VP strategy, he remains interested in finding a way to stay in office beyond his current term, a move that would require a constitutional amendment. The VP theory, floated by some supporters, suggests he could run, win, and then assume the presidency if the elected president were to resign.
