Trump Says He’d ‘Love’ a Third Term, But Admits ‘The Law Is Very Strong’

US President Donald Trump has once again fueled discussion about a possible third term in the White House after saying he would “love to run” again in 2028, while acknowledging that the law presents a major obstacle.

Trump made the remarks on Wednesday after a reporter asked him about the possibility of seeking another term beyond his current presidency.

“I’d love to run, but the law is very strong,” Trump said.

“Everybody wants me to do it, but the law is very strong,” he added.

The comments immediately renewed attention around the possibility of Trump attempting to remain in the White House beyond the end of his current term.

Trump has previously entertained the idea of serving a third term, although the US Constitution currently limits presidents to two elected terms. The restriction is contained in the 22nd Amendment, which provides that no person can be elected president more than twice. 

Trump’s latest comments therefore appear to acknowledge the constitutional barrier while still making clear that he would welcome the opportunity to seek another term if the legal situation allowed it.

The president has repeatedly made remarks about a potential 2028 campaign since returning to office for his second term. In previous comments, he has suggested that there are people who want him to continue in office, while his allies have also promoted proposals aimed at changing the constitutional restriction.

In January 2025, Republican Congressman Andy Ogles introduced a proposal seeking to amend the 22nd Amendment in a way that could potentially allow presidents who served two non-consecutive terms to seek another term. Trump, who served his first term from 2017 to 2021 and returned to office in 2025, is the only living US president who has served two non-consecutive terms. 

The issue has remained politically controversial, with constitutional experts and opponents arguing that a third Trump term would require overcoming the existing constitutional prohibition.

Trump’s comments also come after he joked about a possible third term during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in July, when he made another reference to the possibility of remaining in office beyond two terms. 

For now, however, Trump did not announce any plan to challenge the constitutional limit. Instead, his latest response appeared to strike a balance between expressing his personal desire to continue in office and acknowledging the strength of the existing law.

The remarks are likely to keep speculation alive within the Republican Party about who could eventually succeed Trump after his current term.

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both been mentioned in discussions surrounding the Republican Party’s future leadership, although the 2028 race remains far from settled. Recent reports have also suggested that Trump has privately expressed support for Vance as a potential successor. 

Trump’s latest comments therefore leave the question open politically, even though the legal position remains clear under the current Constitution.

Unless the 22nd Amendment is changed, Trump cannot simply seek election to a third presidential term under the existing rules.

For now, the president appears to be acknowledging that reality himself.