Trump Says Law Bars Him From Seeking Third Term, Calls It ‘Too Bad’

President Donald Trump on Wednesday acknowledged that U.S. law prevents him from seeking a third presidential term, calling the restriction “too bad.” His comments came a day after he ruled out running for vice president but appeared to leave the door open to another presidential bid.

“If you read it, it’s pretty clear — I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to South Korea for the APEC Summit.

On Tuesday, when asked about a potential vice-presidential run in 2028, Trump said he could legally do so but quickly dismissed the idea. “I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute. I would rule that out because it’s too cute. I think people wouldn’t like that,” he said.

Despite acknowledging the two-term limit, Trump fueled speculation by boasting about his “best poll numbers ever” and suggesting he would gladly seek another term if allowed. “I have my highest poll numbers that I’ve ever had… and you know, based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run, so we’ll see what happens,” he remarked.

What the U.S. Constitution Says

Under the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, no person may be elected to the presidency more than twice. The rule was enacted after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, though he died early in his fourth.

For Trump to pursue a third term, legal experts note, he would have to challenge the amendment in court — a move that constitutional scholars say would almost certainly fail.