U.S. President Donald Trump has clarified that he has no plans to run for vice president in the 2028 election, despite growing speculation among his supporters that such a move could allow him to sidestep term limits and return to the White House.
The U.S. Constitution restricts presidents to two terms, and Trump began his second term in January. However, some of his backers have floated the idea that he could re-enter office by running as vice president and later assuming the presidency if the top position became vacant.
When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One whether he might consider a vice presidential run in November 2028, Trump acknowledged that “he would be allowed to do that.”
But he quickly dismissed the idea, saying, “I wouldn’t do it… I think it’s too cute. It wouldn’t be right.”
Trump, who previously served as president from 2017 to 2021, often references calls from his supporters urging him to remain in power beyond his current tenure, despite the constitutional limitation.
The 79-year-old businessman has even displayed red hats embroidered with “Trump 2028” on his Oval Office desk, fueling ongoing speculation about his political future.
Among some of his followers, a theory has gained traction suggesting that current Vice President JD Vance could run for president in 2028 with Trump as his running mate — and, if victorious, resign to make way for Trump’s return to office.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after his former advisor and “Make America Great Again” strategist, Steve Bannon, told The Economist that “there is a plan” to keep Trump in power.
“He is going to get a third term… Trump is going to be president in ’28. And people just ought to get accommodated with that,” Bannon said.
When asked about the 22nd Amendment, which sets presidential term limits, Bannon replied, “There’s many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.”
