On Monday morning, former President Donald Trump made headlines by unequivocally ruling out the possibility of running for the vice-presidency in the upcoming 2028 US election. This unconventional stance has been a topic of discussion among some of his supporters who believe it could allow Trump to serve a third term in the White House. While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his journey from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, Japan, Trump stated, “I’d be allowed to do that,” but quickly clarified, “I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.”
As he continues his five-day trip to Asia, which he hopes will culminate in a trade war truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump emphasized that such a maneuver would not resonate well with the American people. “It’s not – it wouldn’t be right,” he added, reinforcing his position against the idea. According to the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution, no individual may be elected to the presidency more than twice, leading some to speculate that Trump could bypass this limitation by running as vice-president. The theory suggests that another candidate could assume the presidency and then resign, allowing Trump to step up from the vice-presidential role. However, this notion has sparked debates regarding its legality.
Despite ruling out the vice-presidency, Trump expressed a desire for a potential third term, stating, “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever.” When questioned about whether he was completely dismissing the idea of a third term, he playfully responded, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean you’ll have to tell me.” He also asserted, “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which the Democrats don’t.”
In his remarks, Trump highlighted notable figures such as JD Vance and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, suggesting they would make strong presidential candidates. “I think if they ever formed a group, it’d be unstoppable,” he added, showcasing his confidence in their potential.
This statement is part of a broader narrative that Trump has been teasing through public remarks and promotional items like “Trump 2028” hats distributed at the White House. Meanwhile, on the political landscape, former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump last November, hinted at her ongoing political ambitions, suggesting she might also consider a run for the presidency in 2028.
As Trump embarks on his longest overseas trip since taking office in January, he is scheduled to participate in the Apec and Asean trade summits. During his initial stop in Malaysia, he announced a series of trade deals and initiatives focusing on critical minerals with four Southeast Asian nations. Trump is poised to meet with Xi in South Korea on Thursday, and he expressed optimism about the potential for reaching a deal, stating, “I’ve got a lot of respect for President Xi and I think we’re going to come away with a deal.” Additionally, he expressed interest in rekindling discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
These developments underscore Trump's ongoing influence in the political arena as he navigates international relations while keeping the possibility of a future presidential run in the spotlight.
