President-elect Donald J. Trump has mused more than once that he might like to extend his next stay at the White House. But can he run for re-election again in 2028 and seek a third term? The simple answer: No, the Constitution does not allow it.
By the end of his second term, Mr. Trump, now 78, would be the oldest president in history.
Here’s why the issue has surfaced and what the law says:
What is Trump saying about a third term?
Mr. Trump has occasionally sent mixed and cryptic messages about how long he could stay in office.
While talking to House Republicans recently about clinching the White House and both chambers of Congress, Mr. Trump jokingly hinted that they could help prolong his presidency.
“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out,’” Mr. Trump said.
In July, at a gathering of religious conservatives, he told Christians that if they voted him into office in November, they would never need to vote again. “Christians, get out and vote. Just this time,” he said. “You won’t have to do it anymore, you know what? Four more years, it’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.”
Speaking to members of the National Rifle Association in May, he said: “I don’t know, are we going to be considered three-term or two-term? Are we three-term or two-term if we win?”