Trump says he will ‘probably’ not run for a third presidential term in 2028

WASHINGTON — Touting his 2024 win and “the best poll numbers,” President Donald Trump told CNBC on Tuesday that “I’d like to run again.”

But asked by the “Squawk Box” hosts if he will attempt to seek a third term in 2028, Trump replied, “Probably not.”

The back-and-forth during a wide-ranging phone interview came as Trump heralded his 2024 win in Texas, a record he proclaimed “they say won’t be beaten unless I run again.”

Trump and those around him have repeatedly teased a potential 2028 campaign, despite constitutional barriers that prevents him from seeking a third term in office. Back in April, the Trump organization began selling “Trump 2028” hats. 

The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment explicitly states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” The amendment was ratified in 1951, following President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s unprecedented four electoral victories. Roosevelt, who died at age 63 on April 12, 1945, did not complete his fourth term, passing away before the 100th day of that administration.

The president has made comments suggesting he is exploring ways to try and circumvent these limitations. When questioned about the constitutional hurdle, Trump told NBC News that he is “not joking” about the possibility, stating that “there are methods which you could do it.”

Constitutional scholars and legal experts widely disagree. They say Trump seeking a third term would require either a constitutional amendment or a novel legal interpretation that would likely face significant challenges in court.

Trump, 79, was inaugurated for his second term in January 2025 and would be 82 years old in 2028, which would make him the oldest presidential candidate in American history if he were to attempt to run again.

Despite all that, Trump has repeatedly declined to rule out a third term. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.