Trump says he'd 'love to run' in 2028 but cites strong legal barrier
Synopsis
Trump openly said he’d ‘love to run’ in 2028 — then immediately cited the law as a ‘very strong’ barrier. He offered no plan to challenge the 22nd Amendment, making this less a campaign signal and more a reflection of how far his supporters are already pushing the idea. The constitutional math for a third term remains nearly impossible.
Key Takeaways
Donald Trump on 12 August said he would ‘love to run’ for president in 2028 but acknowledged the law is a strong barrier.
The 22nd Amendment , ratified in 1951 , prohibits any person from being elected president more than twice.
Trump has been elected president twice — in 2016 and 2024 — making him constitutionally ineligible under current law.
Overturning the amendment requires approval by two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of states.
Trump made no indication he would attempt to legally challenge the restriction.
He also addressed security threats, the Strait of Hormuz , and the US economy during the same press exchange.
US President Donald Trump on 12 August said he would “love to run” for the presidency again in 2028, while simultaneously acknowledging that the law poses a formidable obstacle to any such bid. The remarks came in response to reporters’ questions following weeks of Trump publicly referencing 2028 and reports of a ‘Trump 2028’ advertisement displayed at a dinner event.
What Trump Said
“Everybody asks me that question, and you know that the law is very strong on that,” Trump told reporters when pressed on whether he was serious about seeking a third term. “I’d love to run, but the law is very strong,” he added.
Trump noted that supporters have been vocal in their enthusiasm. “I get asked by everyone,” he said. “Even tonight, they’re screaming at the event, ‘2028.’” Notably, Trump did not indicate any intention to challenge the constitutional restriction or outline a legal pathway for another campaign.
The Constitutional Barrier
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1951 partly in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election to four terms, explicitly bars any individual from being elected president more than twice. Trump has won the presidency on two occasions — in 2016 and 2024 — making him constitutionally ineligible for a third term under current law.
Overturning that restriction would require a constitutional amendment — a process that demands a proposal by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress, or a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification by three-fourths of all states. Legal scholars widely regard such a path as extraordinarily difficult in the current political climate.
Security Threats and Travel Precautions
Trump also addressed the security arrangements surrounding a recent trip to Turkey, saying the Secret Service and the military had determined his travel logistics. “It’s only up to Secret Service. I just follow what they like to do,” he said. “So I go by Secret Service and the military.”
When asked why such precautions were necessary, Trump said: “I get a lot of threats.” He later elaborated: “I have a lot of threats that you don’t know about. Any consequential president has a lot of threats. Non-consequential presidents don’t get threatened.”
Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
Trump also weighed in on tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the United States maintains full control over the strategic waterway. “We totally control the Strait of Hormuz. We have control over it. Nobody else, only us,” he said, adding: “Our Navy is unbelievable.” Asked directly whether he trusted Iran, Trump replied: “I don’t trust Iran.”
Economy and Stock Market
Opening the exchange on a bullish note, Trump touted the performance of the US economy. “The country’s doing well,” he said. “The stock market’s fantastic.” The remarks came amid ongoing debate over the trajectory of the US economy under his administration.
Point of View
But the more telling detail is what he did not say — he offered zero legal strategy for circumventing the 22nd Amendment. The constitutional bar is not a technicality; it was designed precisely to prevent a third term, and clearing it would require a political consensus that does not exist. Mainstream coverage tends to amplify the desire and underplay the near-impossibility of the mechanism. The real story is that Trump is either testing the waters for a movement he cannot legally lead, or signalling to a base that his political brand outlasts his eligibility — both of which carry significant implications for the 2028 Republican field.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Donald Trump legally run for president in 2028?
Under current US law, Trump cannot run for president in 2028. The 22nd Amendment bars any individual from being elected president more than twice, and Trump has already won the presidency in 2016 and 2024.
What did Trump say about running in 2028?
Trump told reporters on 12 August that he would ‘love to run’ but acknowledged that ‘the law is very strong’ on the matter. He did not outline any plan to challenge the constitutional restriction.
What is the 22nd Amendment?
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits any person to two elected presidential terms. It was enacted partly in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt serving four terms.
How could the 22nd Amendment be changed?
Changing the 22nd Amendment requires a constitutional amendment — proposed by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, then ratified by three-fourths of all states. Legal experts consider this an extremely high bar.
What else did Trump discuss at the press exchange?
Trump addressed security precautions during a recent trip to Turkey, citing threats to his safety. He also asserted US control over the Strait of Hormuz, said he does not trust Iran, and praised the performance of the US stock market and economy.
