Trump Continues to Tease Third Term While Increasingly Discussing Life After 2028

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump continues to hint at seeking a third presidential term, including by posting about another campaign, wearing “2028” caps and discussing possible ways around constitutional limits, even while acknowledging that the Constitution prohibits it.

In recent weeks, however, the Republican president has begun speaking more frequently about life after he leaves the White House in January 2029. In speeches, he has described himself at home watching television and reading newspapers while a successor takes credit for his administration’s achievements.

“Your next president is going to say, ‘What a great job I did,’” Trump said at an event on Long Island, New York, this month. “He’ll be sitting around, watching television. A real stiff. Unless you vote Republican, of course.”

During a Pennsylvania rally, he remarked, “Whoever the next president is, he’s going to be talking about what a brilliant president he is. And I’ll be home. And I’ll be saying, ‘That son of a gun,’ because we did the job.”

In Michigan, Trump injected a note of uncertainty: “In two and a half years, you may have a different president — may,” he said, emphasizing the word “may.” “I’ll be sitting home. I’ll be reading the papers. I’ll be watching television.”

At the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner last month, Trump joked about a third term, saying, “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better” and that “the third time will be better yet. I’m only kidding.” He later donned a 2028 campaign cap while finishing the speech.

Trump has previously floated ideas such as running as vice president on a ticket with JD Vance and then assuming the presidency, while also describing the constitutional barrier as “very strong.” The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms.