Washington, D.C. – October 28, 2025 – In a forthright discussion with reporters aboard Air Force One during his current trip to Asia, President Donald Trump categorically rejected the notion of running for vice president in the 2028 election, referring to the idea as "too cute" and not likely to resonate with the public.
The remark comes amid ongoing speculation among his supporters regarding unconventional approaches to extend his political influence beyond the two-term limit established by the Constitution. However, Trump confirmed that he remains open to the possibility of pursuing a third term as president.
While traveling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, Japan, Trump addressed the so-called "VP gambit"—a concept proposed by allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, which suggests that he could join a Republican ticket as the vice presidential candidate, only for the sitting president to resign, subsequently allowing Trump to reclaim the presidency.
Trump acknowledged the possibility of this scenario, stating, "I would be allowed to do that," but quickly clarified, "I would not do that. I think it is too cute. Yes, I would rule that out because it is too cute. I believe the public would not support that. It would not be appropriate."
Constitutional scholars have consistently dismissed this loophole as impractical, noting that the 22nd Amendment not only prohibits a third presidential election but also disqualifies individuals who are ineligible for the presidency from serving as vice president.
Trump's rejection of this narrative aligns with the prevailing expert opinion, potentially mitigating enthusiasm among certain factions of his base who have marketed merchandise such as "Trump 2028" hats and t-shirts emblazoned with "Rewrite the Rules."
Nevertheless, the 79-year-old President exhibited no hesitation when discussing the prospect of a direct third-term candidacy. "I would be eager to do it. I have my best polling numbers to date," he asserted, displaying his characteristic smile when queried about a subsequent presidential campaign.
When asked whether he was categorically ruling it out, Trump responded ambiguously: "Am I not ruling it out? You will need to inform me." His remarks resonated with recent social media statements, including an AI-generated video that parodied Democratic apprehensions regarding the abolition of term limits, featuring slogans like "Trump 4EVA."