Trump jokes about third term at press dinner, constitutional law prohibits it

Former U.S. President Donald Trump playfully suggested a potential return to the White House in 2028 during his speech at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. While addressing the audience at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, Trump donned a red 'Trump 2028' baseball cap and declared, "My second term, like my presidency, was always the best. The third one will be even better."

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My second term, like my presidency, was always the best. The third one will be even better.

He quickly followed up with, "It's a joke," but continued to lean into the jest. Towards the end of his remarks, Trump presented the hat to the attendees, stating, "This could be big news." He further elaborated on his humorous "announcement" of seeking a "fourth term as President of the United States," referencing his perceived wins in 2016, 2020, and 2024. His claim of winning three times is based on his actual victories in 2016 and 2024, coupled with his persistent, unsubstantiated assertion that he won the 2020 election.

However, the U.S. Constitution, specifically the 22nd Amendment ratified in 1951, explicitly limits any individual to two elected terms as president. This amendment was enacted to prevent prolonged presidential power, following Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms. Therefore, without a constitutional amendment, Trump cannot legally run for or be elected to a third presidential term in 2028.

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It's a joke.

Despite the clear constitutional barrier, some supporters have proposed a loophole, suggesting Trump could run as vice president and then assume the presidency if the elected president resigns. However, legal experts largely dismiss this theory, citing the 12th Amendment, which states that individuals ineligible to be president are also ineligible to be vice president. Most constitutional scholars agree that Trump, having already been elected twice, would not be eligible to serve as vice president, rendering this "vice presidential workaround" legally unsound. Trump himself has previously expressed reservations about such a scenario, calling it "not right."

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This could be big news.

The dinner itself marked a return to tradition, as the event had been canceled the previous April due to a shooting incident outside the venue. The evening also included an awards ceremony for Secret Service agent Victor Gonzalez, who was injured while intervening during the shooting. This was Trump's first time speaking at the White House Correspondents' dinner during his presidency, having previously boycotted the event due to his contentious relationship with the press.

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I have won three times, and now I will do it again.