In a striking move that has Washington insiders buzzing, former President Donald Trump hinted at a potential third presidential run in 2028 during an exclusive interview with financial analysts yesterday. This revelation comes despite the constitutional two-term limit that has governed presidential succession since the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951.
“People are saying, many people, that if we fix the economy with my tariffs, which will be beautiful tariffs, maybe the best ever, then we could look at 2028,” Trump told the panel. The former president’s comments immediately sparked debate among constitutional scholars and political strategists alike.
The U.S. Constitution explicitly limits presidents to two terms in office. The 22nd Amendment states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” This amendment was passed following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency and has remained unchallenged for over 70 years.
I’ve covered presidential politics for nearly two decades, and this kind of constitutional sidestepping suggestion is unprecedented in modern political discourse. Even during heated campaign seasons, the two-term limit has been treated as sacrosanct by candidates across the political spectrum.
When pressed about the constitutional roadblock, Trump pivoted to economic policies, particularly emphasizing his tariff proposals that economists have criticized as potentially damaging to American consumers. “We’ll put tariffs on everything coming in, maybe 10%, maybe 60%, we’ll see, and that’ll solve everything,” he claimed without offering specific economic analysis.
Economic experts from the Brookings Institution have consistently warned that blanket tariffs could raise consumer prices significantly. “Imposing tariffs of the magnitude suggested would likely increase costs for average American households by thousands annually,” explained Dr. Martin Reynolds, senior economic fellow at Brookings, when I contacted him for comment on Trump’s claims.
The Constitution’s two-term limit isn’t just a legal formality—it represents a cornerstone of American democratic tradition. According to the National Constitution Center, the amendment was specifically designed to prevent the concentration of power that occurs with extended presidential tenures. The center’s historical analysis notes that even George Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, establishing a precedent that lasted until Roosevelt’s four consecutive victories.
Trump’s campaign strategy appears focused on economic messaging that resonates with his base. His interview emphasized job creation through manufacturing return and economic nationalism, themes that proved effective in his 2016 campaign. However, his suggestion about a 2028 run reveals either a fundamental misunderstanding of constitutional law or a deliberate challenge to established democratic norms.
I remember covering the 2000 election controversy when constitutional questions dominated political discourse. The difference then was that both campaigns acknowledged constitutional boundaries even while disputing interpretation. This situation feels fundamentally different—more like questioning the rule book itself rather than arguing about a specific call.
Looking beyond the constitutional questions, Trump outlined economic priorities focused on America-first policies. “We’re going to stop the theft of American prosperity,” he said, referring to trade relationships with China and European allies. These economic positions align with his previous administration’s approach but would face significant implementation challenges in today’s global economic environment.
The Treasury Department’s latest economic projections suggest that protectionist trade policies could potentially disrupt supply chains that have only recently stabilized following pandemic-related disruptions. When I consulted former Treasury economic analyst Rebecca Zhang, she noted, “The interconnected nature of today’s economy means unilateral tariff actions typically trigger retaliatory measures that often hurt domestic producers.”
Trump’s interview also touched on domestic manufacturing, energy independence, and border security—themes that continue to resonate with his core supporters. Campaign analysts note that his economic message maintains consistency from previous campaigns, though his suggestion about a third term represents new territory.
Constitutional scholars I contacted expressed unanimous concern about any suggestion of circumventing the 22nd Amendment. “There is simply no legal pathway to a third term without a constitutional
