Trump Considers Unconstitutional Third Term, Skips VP

Former President Donald Trump, during a Monday morning exchange with reporters, definitively ruled out a bid for the vice-presidency in the 2028 U.S. election. This declaration comes amidst speculation, particularly from some of his supporters, about a creative pathway for the Republican leader to potentially secure a third term in the White House – an outcome explicitly prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.

The remarks were made aboard Air Force One as Trump traveled from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, Japan, marking a significant leg of a five-day diplomatic tour across Asia. The journey aims to culminate in a potential trade war resolution with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump Rejects 2028 VP Speculation

Addressing the notion of serving as a vice-presidential candidate in 2028, Trump acknowledged the theoretical possibility, stating, “I’d be allowed to do that.” However, he quickly dismissed the idea, expressing a strong disinclination. “I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute,” Trump elaborated. “Yeah, I would rule that out because it’s too cute. I think the people wouldn’t like that… It’s not – it wouldn’t be right.”

The concept of Trump running as a vice-presidential candidate is often floated as a potential workaround to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which strictly limits any individual to two terms as president. Proponents of this unorthodox strategy suggest that a presidential candidate could select Trump as their running mate, only to resign shortly after taking office, thereby elevating Trump to the presidency for a third time. This scenario, however, faces significant legal challenges and has been widely disputed by constitutional scholars and political opponents regarding its legality and ethical implications.

Desire for a Third Term Expressed

Despite the constitutional barrier, Trump openly voiced his enthusiasm for the prospect of an additional term in office. “I would love to do it,” he stated, adding, “I have my best numbers ever.” When pressed by a reporter on whether he was not explicitly ruling out a third presidential term, Trump responded with a degree of ambiguity: “Am I not ruling it out? I mean you’ll have to tell me.” He then pivoted to a broader assertion about political strength, remarking, “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they [the Democrats] don’t.”

Trump also took the opportunity to praise potential future leaders within the Republican party. He specifically mentioned JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing them as “great people who could run for the office.” He further speculated on their collective power, asserting, “I think if they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable. I really do. I believe that.”

Ongoing Speculation and Teasing

These latest comments align with a pattern of public remarks and actions by the former president that have consistently fueled speculation about his future political ambitions. Trump has frequently “teased” the subject in various public appearances and has even been known to distribute “Trump 2028” hats at events, including those held at the White House during his presidency. His Monday statements reiterate a persistent theme of his post-presidency political narrative, keeping the possibility of a return to the Oval Office, however constitutionally fraught, firmly in the public discourse.

Source: The Guardian