House Speaker Mike Johnson brushed off speculation Tuesday that President Donald Trump might try for a third term, saying he doesn’t believe the president has any real intention of
challenging the Constitution.
“There’s the 22nd Amendment,” Johnson reminded reporters during a press conference. “I think the president understands that. He and I have talked about the limits set by the Constitution.”
Johnson’s comments came after former Trump adviser Steve Bannon suggested in an interview with The Economist that there was “a plan” for Trump to run again in 2028. But the Constitution clearly bars anyone from serving more than two terms as president — consecutive or not.
While Trump himself hasn’t seriously floated the idea, he’s certainly had fun fueling speculation. “Trump 2028” hats and memes have made the rounds on social media, prompting outrage — and amusement — across the political spectrum.
Johnson dismissed the talk as part of Trump’s trademark trolling style. “He has a good time teasing Democrats, whose hair is on fire at the very idea,” Johnson said with a laugh.
When asked if he saw any path to changing the Constitution to allow a third term, Johnson was direct: “I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution. But I can tell you this — we’re not taking our foot off the gas. We’re going to keep delivering for the American people. We’ve got four strong years ahead of us.”
Earlier this week, President Trump also told reporters aboard Air Force One that he has no plans to skirt term limits by running as vice president. Still, he didn’t entirely close the door on future ambitions, leaving open the possibility of another run — if the rules ever changed. Photo by Office of Speaker Mike Johnson, Wikimedia commons.
