Trump says he ‘probably’ won’t run for a third term in 2028
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he'd like to run for a third term but is unlikely to pursue one.
It was his firmest indication yet that he is not looking to change or bypass the Constitutional limit set out in the 22nd Amendment to compete for president in 2028.
When asked in a CNBC interview whether he would "run again," Trump said, "No. Probably not."
"Probably not," he said a second time with a laugh.
The Constitution restricts presidents to two terms in office. Trump is on his second, non-consecutive term, having previously led the nation from 2017 to 2021. To change the Constitution, Trump would need the support of two-thirds of the House and Senate, or he could call for a constitutional convention. He would need two-thirds of the country's state legislatures to approve a constitutional convention, and three-fourths of the states to ratify it.
Allies of Trump, such as former political adviser and far-right podcaster Steve Bannon, have said the Republican should try to seek a third term, and Trump has repeatedly teased the possibility since returning to office in January.
In his Aug. 5 interview with CNBC, he said he'd like to run again, even as he indicated he did not plan to mount another campaign.
"I'd like to run, I have the best poll numbers I've ever had. You know why? Because people love the tariffs," Trump said.
Trump has refrained from endorsing a successor and declined to endorse Vice President JD Vance for the role in February. Vance has dodged questions about a possible 2028 presidential bid and deferred to Trump on his political future. Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped clear the way for Vance in a Fox News interview last month. He said Vance would have his support in 2028 and encouraged him to compete.
(This story was updated to include new information.)