Trump Rules Out Running for a Third Term: "The Constitution Prevents That"

In a surprising turn, U.S. President Donald Trump announced today, Wednesday, that he does not intend to run for a third presidential term after his current term ends in January 2029, affirming that the U.S. Constitution prohibits that.

Trump's remarks came aboard Air Force One while heading to South Korea, where he told reporters: "If you read the Constitution, it is very clear... I am not allowed to run."

He added: "My popularity is at its highest levels according to polls, but as you know, based on what I have read, I don’t think I am allowed to run, so we will see what happens... It’s a shame."

This announcement indicates a clear shift in Trump's position, after he had previously hinted at the possibility of running again without completely ruling out the idea, according to reports from Reuters.

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that no person may be elected President more than twice, and yet, Trump had publicly hinted at the possibility of running after winning a second term last November.

In the same context, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed yesterday, Tuesday, that he discussed the matter with Trump and they agreed that there is no practical path to amend the Constitution to allow for a third term, noting that the amendment process requires the approval of two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, which could take a decade.

Johnson said: "It has been a great journey... but I think the president knows, and we talked together about the constraints imposed by the Constitution."

This announcement comes after Trump's allies, including former advisor Steve Bannon, proposed legal theories to challenge the limit imposed by the 22nd Amendment on two presidential terms.

Despite this, Trump continued to talk about this idea at his campaign rallies, and Johnson described it as merely a political display aimed at provoking Democrats, saying: "He enjoys it and provokes Democrats who panic at just the idea."

The 79-year-old U.S. president mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential Republican candidates for the 2028 elections.

It is noted that any potential candidacy at that time would make him the oldest U.S. president in history, as he would be 82 years old.