1:33House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., October 28, 2025.Kylie Cooper/Reuters
The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, articulated this past Tuesday that he does not "see a route" for President Donald Trump to pursue a subsequent term in office.
"It has been a remarkable journey, though I am of the opinion the president acknowledges, and he and I have deliberated, the restraints imposed by the Constitution, in spite of the fact that numerous American citizens bemoan it," Johnson voiced at a gathering with reporters on Capitol Hill.
Johnson mentioned he engaged in conversation with Trump on Tuesday morning. Currently, the president is situated in Japan as part of a journey spanning three nations in Asia.
"I fail to perceive a method to revise the Constitution considering that it necessitates roughly 10 years to accomplish," Johnson, who possesses experience as a constitutional lawyer, clarified. "As everyone is aware, it would require all states to provide validation to what would be sanctioned by two-thirds of the House and three-fourths of the states. Therefore, I do not envision the path for such an action, however I can communicate that we have no intention of decelerating our efforts."
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., October 28, 2025.Kylie Cooper/Reuters
Trump has remarked on various occasions concerning the possibility of a third term, irrespective of it being prohibited by the Constitution. The 22nd Amendment specifically indicates that no individual should be chosen for the nation’s chief executive office more than on two occasions.
On the preceding Monday, Trump stated he would "enjoy pursuing it" when prompted about a prospective endeavor in 2028.
"Am I avoiding a definite response? Perhaps you should be the judge," Trump responded when further inquiries were posed. "The only reassurance I can offer is that we have an excellent array of individuals, which they lack," he continued, making reference to the Democratic Party.
During the previous week, Steve Bannon — formerly an advisor to Trump — suggested in a conversation with The Economist that there "exists a strategy" to facilitate Trump obtaining a third term, without delivering specific particulars.
The sanctioned retail platform of the Trump Organization has been retailing headwear bearing the inscription "Trump 2028" since the earlier part of the year.
Johnson contended on Tuesday that the Trump 2028 cap "is among the most prevalent items ever manufactured," while also indicating it served the purpose of inciting Democrats.
The Speaker stated that Trump "derives pleasure from teasing the Democrats, who are becoming highly agitated at the mere thought of it. Nevertheless, I hold the conviction that we have a period of three exceptional years ahead of us."
Alexandra Hutzler from ABC News played a role in the preparation of this dispatch.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
