1:03US President Donald Trump arrives for an exclusive dinner hosted in his honour and state leaders by South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)Andrew Caballero-reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump seemed to concede Wednesday that he is ineligible to seek a third term, subsequent to previously demurring on the subject.
“My approval ratings are at a record high, and, well, according to what I am hearing, it seems that I am not permitted to run. Therefore, we shall see what transpires,” Trump communicated to journalists aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongju, South Korea.
“I would argue that based on the interpretations, it is quite unambiguous. I am barred from running. It’s unfortunate, yet we possess numerous capable individuals,” he stated further.
House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked on Tuesday, subsequent to a conversation with him, that he does not "perceive a pathway" for Trump to pursue a third term.
Trump deflected inquiries regarding Johnson’s assertions, choosing instead to promote his purported robust polling figures.
“I would prefer not to address that since, regrettably, I am currently enjoying my peak approval numbers,” Trump stated.
US President Donald Trump arrives for an exclusive dinner hosted in his honour and state leaders by South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)Andrew Caballero-reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Trump has consistently alluded to the possibility of serving a third term, notwithstanding the constitutional prohibition against such an action. The 22nd Amendment unequivocally dictates that no individual may be elected president more than two times.
On Monday, Trump conveyed his eagerness to "embrace the opportunity" when questioned about a prospective 2028 campaign. He additionally appeared to discount the possibility of participating in the 2028 Republican ticket as vice president, albeit acknowledging that he would be "eligible to do so."
"I presume I deem it excessively contrived," referencing a scenario where the elected president would willingly step down to allow him to assume the position. "Indeed, I would dismiss that notion because it is excessively contrived. I anticipate public disapproval of such a maneuver. It lacks authenticity; it would not align with what is proper."
Vance Indicates Trump Raised Idea of Vance-Rubio 2028 Ticket
On the "Pod Force One with Miranda Devine" podcast on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance shared that President Trump suggested the notion of him and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the Republican contenders in 2028 approximately half a year prior, during a luncheon at the White House.
"So, the president initially broached this with me roughly six months ago during one of our routine private luncheons, which we endeavor to schedule every couple of weeks to remain informed of current affairs and discuss matters. He initially proposed it around six months ago, and I mentioned it to the secretary jokingly, although it feels untimely due to the early stage. And what I consistently convey is that if we diligently attend to our responsibilities, the political dimensions will resolve themselves," Vance commented.
Vice President JD Vance talks with reporters after attending the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon on the 28th day of the federal government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol, October 28, 2025 in Washington.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Vance was questioned about the circumstance that Trump has not explicitly identified who ought to spearhead the ticket and whether such ambiguity might instigate discord with Rubio. Vance asserted that it would not.
"Primarily, no, there will be no discord. Marco is my closest confidant within the administration. He and I frequently collaborate, and we genuinely do. I believe that a substantial portion of the positive accomplishments achieved by our administration is attributable to our collaborative approach. And once again, this illustrates why excessive preoccupation with political maneuvering can, in my assessment, diminish one’s efficacy in their designated role," Vance elucidated.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
