During a recent interview with *Time* Magazine, former President Donald Trump addressed speculation surrounding a potential third term in office, stating he doesn’t favor exploiting perceived “loopholes” within the system.
Despite this assertion, Trump stopped short of definitively dismissing the possibility of another run in 2028, an ambition echoed by some of his supporters. The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, however, explicitly limits presidents to two terms—a significant legal hurdle.
“You recently said you were ‘not joking’ about seeking a third term and that there were methods to do it. What methods?” *Time* inquired.
Trump’s response was evasive. “I’d rather not discuss that now, but as you know, certain possibilities have been discussed and are widely known. Nevertheless, I don’t believe in loopholes; I don’t think in terms of using them.”
Public Opinion & Allies Weigh In
When pressed about potentially serving as Vice President alongside J.D. Vance, Trump sidestepped the question, instead highlighting his performance on a recent cognitive assessment.
“I am being inundated with requests,” he stated. “I’m doing a good job. I had a great physical exam, and unlike every other president, I took the cognitive test and aced it 100%. And I bet you guys couldn’t get 100% on that exam.”
Previously in March, Trump told NBC News he was “not joking” about a third term bid, sparking concerns from both Democratic and Republican factions who perceived the remark as an attempt to consolidate power.
- He acknowledged significant public interest: “A lot of people want me to do it.”
- However, he downplayed the immediate feasibility: “But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go; it’s very early in the administration.”
Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon further fueled the speculation during an appearance on HBO’s *Real Time with Bill Maher*, boldly predicting that Trump would secure a third term and be re-elected in January 2029.
“President Trump is going to run for a third term, and President Trump is going to be elected again on the afternoon of January 20th of 2029. He’s going to be President of the United States,” Bannon declared.
Recent Poll Results
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed overwhelming public opposition to a third Trump term, with three-quarters of respondents surveyed expressing their disapproval. The survey was conducted between April 16 and 21. Given that he is currently the oldest president ever elected, Trump would be 82 years old at the end of a second, non-consecutive term in 2029.
