In a recent interview aired on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” President Donald Trump clarified his stance on the controversial idea of serving a third term in office, a notion he has previously entertained but is ultimately restricted by the U.S. Constitution. Instead, he suggested that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could be viable successors to his presidency.
During the interview with host Kristen Welker, Trump expressed his reluctance to engage in discussions about who might follow him in office. Nonetheless, he praised Vance as a “fantastic, brilliant guy” and described Rubio as “great.” Trump acknowledged that many individuals have the potential to excel, stating, “certainly you would say that somebody’s the V.P., if that person is outstanding, I guess that person would have an advantage.” This statement underscores his belief in the importance of leadership continuity within the Republican Party.
Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has frequently mused about the possibility of a third term. In March, he even claimed he was “not joking” about the idea and hinted at potential “methods” to sidestep the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. This speculation was further fueled last month when his family business launched a line of merchandise featuring the slogan “Trump 2028” alongside the phrase “Rewrite the Rules.”
When pressed about the “Trump 2028” merchandise during the interview, Trump insisted that there is a significant desire among the public for him to pursue another term. However, he quickly downplayed the notion by stating, “It’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do.” He further questioned the constitutionality of the 22nd Amendment, suggesting uncertainty regarding its validity. “There are many people selling the 2028 hat, but this is not something I’m looking to do,” he asserted. “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican.”
Trump emphasized that four years in office would provide sufficient time to achieve something “really spectacular.” His focus remains on delivering impactful governance during his current term while paving the way for future Republican leadership. As the political landscape evolves, the potential for new leaders like JD Vance and Marco Rubio to emerge remains a topic of interest among political analysts and party members alike.
