Trump Admits U.S. Constitution Bars Him from Running for Third Term: ‘If You Read It, It’s Pretty Clear’

Donald Trump appeared to accept that he will not be eligible to run for a third term as president, referencing the constitutional limits on Wednesday, Oct. 29, while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

During the conversation, Trump, 79, mentioned the U.S. Constitution, saying, “It’s pretty clear” that he would not be able to seek the presidency again, according to Reuters and The Guardian.

“I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad,” he added while continuing his presidential tour of Asia with a stop in South Korea.

Trump was referring to the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution, which declares: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.”

“Based on what I read, I guess I’m not allowed to run,” he told reporters. “So we’ll see what happens.”

His comments followed remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said he did not see a legal path for Trump to stay in office beyond his second term, which ends in January 2029.

Johnson explained at a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that while many Americans might wish otherwise, “the constrictions of the Constitution” are clear, according to ABC News.

To change the 22nd Amendment, a proposal would require approval from two-thirds of Congress and ratification by at least three-fourths of U.S. states — a process that typically takes years. “I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about 10 years to do that,” Johnson told reporters. “So I don’t see the path for that, but I can tell you that we are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal.”

Johnson also said he had spoken with Trump about the matter and suggested that Trump’s mentions of a third term were likely “trolling the Democrats,” noting that “their hair is on fire by the very prospect.”

As recently as Monday, Oct. 27, Trump had expressed interest in serving longer, saying he would “love” to remain in office. However, he ruled out becoming someone else’s running mate, commenting, “I’d be allowed to do that. But I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.”

Trump has previously hinted at “methods” that could permit a third run and even sold “Trump 2028” merchandise. Still, he has also mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as “great people” who could potentially lead future campaigns.

The White House has not provided further comment on Trump’s remarks.