Donald Trump has acknowledged that he cannot legally seek a third term as President of the United States, expressing disappointment over the constitutional restriction. He told reporters that he wishes he could continue serving because he believes the country “still needs” his leadership.
Speaking to the press while traveling from Japan to South Korea, Trump remarked, “If you read it, it’s all pretty clear! I am not allowed to run — it’s just too bad!” His statement followed earlier speculation about whether he might attempt another presidential bid.
According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, presidents are limited to two terms in office, a rule established after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four elections.
Trump officially began his second term in January, meaning the constitutional limit now prevents him from running again once it concludes.
Legal scholars note that changing this restriction would require a constitutional amendment, a process involving approval from both Congress and three-fourths of U.S. states, making it an extremely difficult and time-consuming endeavor.
Recently, Trump ally Steve Bannon suggested there might be a way for the 79-year-old president to seek another term, but experts quickly dismissed the idea as unconstitutional.
For now, the law remains clear — regardless of Trump’s popularity or desire to continue, a third term is not legally possible under the current U.S. Constitution.
