Trump Again Shows Interest in Third Term Bid: "I Would Love to Do It"

Denies Possibility of Running for Vice President
"It's Not the Right Thing to Do"

U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by not clarifying his position on the possibility of running for a third term.

According to Bloomberg and other sources, on October 27 (local time), President Trump was asked by reporters about a potential third-term run while traveling from Malaysia to Japan on Air Force One. He replied, "I would love to do it."

Reuters Yonhap News

Recently, Steve Bannon, who served as a key strategist in Trump's first administration, attracted attention by claiming in a media interview that there are plans for President Trump to seek a third term. The question posed to Trump that day was intended to elicit his opinion regarding Bannon's claim.

However, President Trump stated, "I haven't seriously considered (running for a third term)," and added, "As we know, there are some very good people," mentioning Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential presidential candidates.

Nevertheless, when asked by a reporter whether he would rule out the possibility of a third-term run, President Trump left the door open, saying, "You have to tell me." He also asserted that his approval ratings are high.

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stipulates that "no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." Since President Trump won the presidential elections in 2016 and 2024 and took office, the majority of legal experts interpret that, barring a constitutional amendment, it would be impossible for him to run for a third term in the 2028 election.

Some have argued that President Trump could circumvent the law by running for vice president, and if the president resigns, he could succeed to the presidency and serve again. However, on this day, President Trump dismissed the possibility of running for vice president, saying, "I don't think the people would like it. It's not the right thing to do."

On September 29, during a meeting with bipartisan leaders in the Oval Office, President Trump placed a hat reading "Trump 2028" on his desk, later posting the photo on his social media account. This sparked speculation and controversy that he was hinting at a possible run in the 2028 presidential election.