Trump rules out 2028 vice presidential bid, says plan would be ‘too cute’ and ‘not right’
TOKYO, JAPAN: President Donald Trump has ruled out any plans to seek a third term or run as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2028 election, rejecting speculation that he might attempt to return to power through unconventional means.
Trump addressed the idea while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his flight from Malaysia to Japan, calling the notion inappropriate and politically unwise his flight from Malaysia to Japan, dismissing the notion as inappropriate and politically unwise.
Reporter: “One theory on how you might try to serve a third term. Is that you could run as the vice president.”
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) October 27, 2025
President Trump: “Yeah, I would be allowed to do that... I wouldn’t do that. I think — it’s too cute.
Reporter: “You’re ruling that out?”
President Trump: “Yeah,… pic.twitter.com/lNJgJtjtVY
Donald Trump says running again would be ‘too cute’
When asked about the possibility of serving as vice president under a future administration led by JD Vance—who could theoretically hand over power to him—Trump said the American people would not support such a move.
“I think the people wouldn’t like that,” Trump said. “It’s too cute. It’s not, it wouldn’t be right.”
The president added that he believes there are other strong candidates capable of carrying forward his administration’s policies after his term ends. He praised two key members of his Cabinet, saying they would make a formidable ticket.
The president said there are “good people” who could run in 2028 instead. “Obviously the vice president is great. Marco is great,” Trump said, referring to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “I’m not sure if anybody would run against those. So I think if they performed [as] a group it would be unstoppable.”
Some of Trump’s allies, including Steve Bannon, have suggested scenarios in which the president could return to the White House despite constitutional limits. Bannon recently said he believes Trump will “run and win again in 2028.”
Trump has previously acknowledged that such a scenario—Vance running and then ceding power—is one theoretical way he could return to office.
Donald Trump continues Asia tour amid packed diplomatic schedule
After departing Malaysia, Trump arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport around 5 p.m. local time following a six-hour flight. In Japan, a key US ally, Trump will meet in the evening with Emperor Naruhito, six years after their first encounter in 2019, when Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were state guests shortly after Naruhito ascended the throne.
On Monday, October 27, Trump is scheduled to meet newly elected Prime Minister Sanae
Takaichi, deliver a speech aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier anchored in Japan, and attend a dinner with business leaders before heading to South Korea, his final stop, on Wednesday, October 29.
Earlier in Malaysia, Trump attended the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit and presided over a signing ceremony for an enhanced ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia following their deadly July border conflict. He also signed trade and critical mineral agreements with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia—part of his administration’s effort to strengthen economic and security ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
