Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Aug 12: US President Donald Trump said he would “love to run” for another term in 2028, while acknowledging that the law poses a major obstacle to any such bid.
“Everybody asks me that question, and you know that the law is very strong on that,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he was serious about seeking a third term.
“I’d love to run, but the law is very strong,” he said.
Trump was questioned after repeatedly referring to 2028 in recent weeks. A reporter also pointed to a “Trump 2028” advertisement shown at a dinner and chants from supporters urging him to run again.
“I get asked by everyone,” Trump said. “Even tonight, they’re screaming at the event, ‘2028.’”
Trump did not indicate that he would seek to challenge the constitutional restriction or explain how another presidential campaign could proceed. Instead, he emphasised the strength of the existing law.
The President also spoke about security precautions during a recent trip to Turkey, saying the Secret Service and military had determined his travel arrangements and that he followed their advice.
“It’s only up to Secret Service. I just follow what they like to do,” Trump said. “So I go by Secret Service and the military.”
Asked why such precautions were necessary, Trump said: “I get a lot of threats.”
He later elaborated on the risks facing him.
“I have a lot of threats that you don’t know about,” Trump said. “Any consequential president has a lot of threats. Non-consequential presidents don’t get threatened.”
Trump also addressed tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that the United States was in control of the strategic waterway and praising the US Navy.
“We totally control the Strait of Hormuz. We have control over it. Nobody else, only us,” Trump said. “Our Navy is unbelievable.”
Asked whether he trusted Iran, Trump replied: “I don’t trust Iran.”
Trump began the exchange by highlighting the strength of the US stock market and employment.
“The country’s doing well,” Trump said. “The stock market’s fantastic.”
Under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, no person may be elected President more than twice. The amendment was ratified in 1951, partly in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's election to four presidential terms.
Trump has been elected President twice, in 2016 and 2024.
Changing the two-term restriction would require a constitutional amendment. An amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, and must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states.