Trump refuses to rule out 3rd term, says ‘I have the best poll numbers’
President Donald Trump once again sparked speculation about his political future in late October 2025 by refusing to definitively rule out seeking a third term in the White House, citing his strong polling numbers as a key factor.
The remarks came during an interview with reporters aboard Air Force One on October 27, 2025, while the president was traveling to Japan as part of an extended Asia tour. When directly asked about the possibility of running in the 2028 presidential election—after completing his current second non-consecutive term—Trump responded ambiguously:
“I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever. It’s very terrible. I have my best numbers… Am I not ruling it out? You’ll have to tell me.”
He went on to highlight his approval ratings, stating:
“We have some very good people, as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”
Trump named potential successors such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing them as capable figures, but he stopped short of committing to stepping aside in favor of another candidate. He also dismissed speculation about a workaround involving running for vice president on a ticket where the presidential nominee would later resign, calling the idea “too cute” and suggesting it would not sit well with the public.
The comments echoed earlier teases from Trump about extending his time in office, including statements from allies like former strategist Steve Bannon, who had suggested a “plan” might exist for another term. However, the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly limits any person to being elected president no more than twice, making a third elected term legally impossible without a constitutional amendment—a process that would require supermajorities in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
In follow-up remarks later that week, including during stops in South Korea, Trump appeared to walk back the suggestion somewhat. On October 29, he acknowledged the constitutional barrier, telling reporters:
“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… It’s pretty clear. I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad, but we have a lot of great people.”
Trump’s claim of record-high poll numbers at the time contrasted with contemporaneous surveys, which showed his approval ratings in negative territory or below peaks from earlier periods.
As of January 2026—nearing the one-year mark of his second term—Trump’s focus has shifted toward the upcoming November midterm elections. He has warned Republicans that poor performance could lead to Democratic control of Congress and potential impeachment efforts against him. Recent polls indicate his overall job approval hovering in the high 30s to low 40s, with significant disapproval on issues like the economy and cost of living, though he retains strong support among his core Republican base.
No credible legal pathway has emerged to enable a third elected term, and Trump has not actively pursued or endorsed any formal effort to challenge the 22nd Amendment. The October comments appear consistent with his long-standing pattern of provocative statements that energize supporters, dominate media cycles, and keep political opponents on the defensive, rather than signaling a concrete plan for 2028.
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