Trump Jokes About Running for Third Term During Speech to House Republicans
The president's comments, which have sparked debate, hint at a third presidential run despite constitutional restrictions.
DORAL, Fla. — President Donald Trump jokingly suggested he might run for a third term during remarks to House Republicans on Monday, continuing a running joke he's made in recent months — one that has raised eyebrows even though the U.S. Constitution bars him from seeking another four years in office.
"I’ve raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself, but I’m not 100% sure," Trump told the gathering at Trump National Doral, his golf club and resort in Miami, adding, “I think I’m not allowed to run again.”
Trump's playful speculation about a third presidential run was met with laughter from House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who had just introduced Trump onstage. The president teasingly asked, "Am I allowed to run again? Mike, I better not get you involved in that."
Johnson, a former constitutional lawyer, chuckled in response, as did several other GOP lawmakers present at the event.
Trump’s remarks came just days after a conservative House member, Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, introduced a bill proposing a constitutional amendment to allow Trump to run for a third term. However, the bill has not gained any traction in Congress.
In his statement, Ogles praised Trump’s leadership, stating, "He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness." Ogles’ proposal would seek to repeal the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms.
Despite these efforts, the Constitution requires a formal amendment to lift the term limit, making it unlikely that Trump could legally run again in 2028 or beyond without such a change.
This is not the first time Trump has mused about a third term. At a Las Vegas rally over the weekend, he joked, "It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve not once, but twice or three times or four times." He quickly added, "No, it will be to serve twice," before reiterating his commitment to working tirelessly for the next four years.
Trump also raised the possibility of a third term to House Republicans shortly after being sworn in for his second term, saying, "I suspect I won’t be running again — unless you do something."
On Capitol Hill, Sen. Mike Lee, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, dismissed the idea, stating that any attempt to run for a third term would require a constitutional amendment. "I can't imagine that he's actually pushing for [an amendment]," Lee said, expressing skepticism about Trump's comments.
While Trump’s musings are often framed as jokes, they continue to generate significant conversation about his political future and the limits of presidential power.