Donald Trump has made it clear he is not planning to seek a third term in office, despite growing speculation fueled by his past remarks and merchandise promoting a 2028 campaign.
The US president, currently in his second term, stated that he intends to follow the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidents to two elected terms.
In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said he would remain a two-term president and emphasized that he believes eight years in office is enough time to make lasting change. The interview, recorded at his Florida residence, comes just after he marked his first 100 days in office during his second term.
Though Trump has previously floated the idea of a third or even fourth term — comments he later described as jokes meant to provoke the media — products like “Trump 2028” hats sold by his company have kept the topic alive among his supporters. Despite this, Trump said the idea of a third term is not something he is pursuing.
He acknowledged that some supporters have encouraged him to run again after 2028 but admitted he doesn’t believe such a move is legally permitted. The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment clearly states that no individual can be elected president more than twice. Changing this rule would require a difficult constitutional amendment process involving both Congress and a majority of states.
Trump dismissed the speculation, saying others could carry forward his political agenda. He mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential future leaders within the Republican Party.
Despite rejecting the idea of a third term, Trump used the interview to defend his economic record amid recent concerns. He responded to criticism over tariffs and economic contraction by saying the country is in a period of transition and predicted a strong recovery. While acknowledging uncertainty in the economic outlook, he expressed confidence that the U.S. economy would eventually thrive under his administration.
Trump’s statements come at a time when political opponents and supporters alike are closely watching his every move. As he distances himself from the idea of a third term, the conversation now shifts toward who might carry his torch in the 2028 race — a decision Trump may still have significant influence over.