Trump does not rule out seeking third term

US President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of running for a third term for the White House and said he would “very much like to do it”.

However, Trump has ruled out running for vice president in 2028; this was an idea floated by some of his supporters as a way to circumvent the US constitution, which prevents the president from running for a third term.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to Asia, Trump called the idea “very sweet” and said it “wouldn’t be right.”

It is unclear what method he will use to run again. Last week, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon said there was a “plan” in place to ensure the 79-year-old president stays in office for another term.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Malaysia to Japan, Trump said he “could” be allowed to run for vice president again, but said he had no plans to do so.

“I don’t think people will like it,” he said. “Too sweet. That wouldn’t be right.”

Talking about the possibility of a third term, Trump said, “I haven’t thought much about it. But I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.” he said.

Trump also suggested vice president J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, calling them “unstoppable.”

“All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, and they don’t,” he added, referring to Democrats.

The 22nd amendment to the US constitution prohibits presidents from running for third terms.

Repealing the amendment would require approval by a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures, a process considered unlikely.

Last week, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who remains a strong supporter, claimed there was a “plan” to secure Trump’s third term as president.

“Trump will be president in 28 and people need to get used to that,” Bannon told The Economist. “We will announce what the plan is at the appropriate time.”

In March, Trump told CNBC that he would “probably” not run again, but later said he was “not kidding” about that possibility.

It’s not yet clear which Democrats plan to run for the White House in 2028, but many have already expressed interest.

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom told the BBC’s US partner CBS that he would be “lying” if he said he was not seriously considering a presidential run.

Former vice president Kamala Harris also told the BBC she could run again and “possibly” become president in the future.