Speaker Johnson says Trump’s third term is constitutionally impossible: 'I don’t see the path'

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson poured cold water on growing chatter about the possibility of President Donald Trump seeking a third term in office, saying to reporters on Tuesday, October 28, that he sees no realistic path to amending the US Constitution to allow it.

“Well, there is the 22nd Amendment,” Johnson said when asked whether Trump could pursue another term. 

The amendment clearly states, “No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice.”

“It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson added. “As much as so many Americans lament that, it’s just not something that can be changed easily.”

Johnson sees no way to amend the Constitution

Johnson said there is no practical way to make a third term possible for Trump.

“I don't see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about 10 years to do that,” Johnson said, noting that any change would require approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

“So I don’t see the path for that, but I can tell you we are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal,” he added.

Trump says he would 'love' to run again

The remarks came after Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he “would love” to seek a third term but acknowledged that the Constitution prohibits it.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” he said, “but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”

He rejected suggestions that he could run as vice president in 2028, a theory floated by some of his supporters, calling the idea “too cute” and not "right."

“I think people wouldn’t like that,” Trump added.

The president also named Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, calling them “unstoppable.”

Bannon claims a ‘plan’ does exist for Trump's third term

Despite Trump’s ambiguous comments, some close allies have continued to stoke the speculation.

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon recently told The Economist that “a plan” was in place to ensure Trump remained in power beyond two terms.

“Trump is going to be president in ’28,” Bannon said. “At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.”

Constitutional scholars, however, have been unanimous that repealing the 22nd Amendment is virtually impossible in the current political climate.

Democrats eye 2028 run

As Republicans debate the future of Trump, several prominent Democrats are already hinting at 2028 presidential runs. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he would “be lying” if he claimed not to be seriously considering a bid, while former Vice President Kamala Harris also said that she could “possibly” seek the presidency again.