Donald Trump has firmly ruled out any plans to contest as vice president in the 2028 US presidential election, rejecting the idea as an attempt to circumvent constitutional term limits.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, the 79-year-old president addressed speculations from some of his supporters that he could potentially extend his stay in the White House through a vice-presidential bid.
When asked directly if he would consider running for vice president in 2028, Trump responded that he “would be allowed to do that,” but quickly dismissed the notion, adding, “I wouldn’t do it… I think it’s too cute. It wouldn’t be right.”
The US Constitution limits presidents to two terms, and Trump began his second in January. Despite this, several of his allies and supporters have floated ideas suggesting he could find ways to continue in power beyond the constitutional restriction.
Trump, who previously served as president from 2017 to 2021, has frequently referenced the enthusiasm of his base, often pointing out that many of his supporters have called for him to stay in office longer. Recently, he was seen with red caps on his desk in the Oval Office bearing the slogan “Trump 2028.”
Among his base, one theory gaining attention suggests that current Vice President JD Vance could run for president in 2028 with Trump as his running mate. Under that scenario, if Vance were to win and then resign, Trump could theoretically return to the presidency.
The renewed discussion followed comments by Trump’s former advisor, Steve Bannon, who hinted that a plan exists to ensure Trump remains in power.
“He is going to get a third term… Trump is going to be president in ’28. And people just ought to get accommodated with that,” Bannon said in an interview with The Economist.
When questioned about the constitutional term limits under the 22nd Amendment, Bannon responded, “There are many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.”
While Trump did not directly reference Bannon’s remarks, his rejection of the vice-presidential idea appears to signal his unwillingness to challenge constitutional norms—at least publicly.
What You Should Know
Donald Trump, the 45th and current 47th president of the United States, has dismissed speculation about remaining in power beyond his two-term constitutional limit.
Although some supporters and close allies like Steve Bannon have floated ideas about Trump securing a “third term,” the president himself maintains that running for vice president in 2028 “wouldn’t be right.”
