U.S. President Donald Trump said it is "no joke" regarding the possibility of a third presidential run, which is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, NBC News reported on the 30th (local time).
In an interview with NBC News the day before, President Trump said, "I like working," and added, "Many people want me to do it." He stated, "I tell them we have a long way to go. Our government is still in its early stages."
He continued, "I am focused on the present," and noted, "It is too early to think about that," when asked about plans related to a third run, adding, "There is a way it could be done."
He specifically responded to NBC's question about a scenario in which Vice President JD Vance runs for president and wins, then hands over the presidential role to him, saying, "That is one way, but there are other ways." However, he did not specify what those methods would be.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." The common interpretation is that the term "more than twice" applies regardless of whether a president is serving consecutive terms or not. Currently serving his second term, President Trump previously indicated that it would be impossible for him to run again in the 2028 election immediately after the reelection last year.
However, he privately stated, "Unless you all say, 'The president is doing so well that we have to find a way,' I will not run again," and repeatedly referenced, "Former President Roosevelt served nearly 16 years. He was elected four times," expressing his desire for a third term.
Some of Trump’s camp assert that because President Trump has not served consecutive terms, he does not fall under the limitation for a third term.