President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of securing a third term by running as vice president in 2028, calling the notion “too cute.” He addressed the speculation aboard Air Force One, confirming he wouldn’t pursue the backdoor route to the Oval Office.
President Donald Trump has issued a definitive response to the growing speculation about whether he might attempt a backdoor route to returning to power by running for vice president in 2028. Speaking to reporters on October 27, aboard Air Force One during a trip from Malaysia to Tokyo, Trump was asked about the idea, which has been floated by some of his MAGA supporters.
The Backdoor VP Idea
The suggestion that Trump could run as a vice presidential candidate, and then take over the presidency if the new president resigns, is based on the idea that Trump could bypass the 22nd Amendment, which prevents presidents from being elected to more than two terms. However, the 12th Amendment closes the VP loophole by barring anyone ineligible to be president from serving as vice president.
Despite the constitutional hurdles, speculation about Trump’s future has continued, with many of his supporters suggesting that he could reclaim the Oval Office in this unconventional way.
Trump’s Response: ‘Too Cute’
When asked whether he would consider running as a vice president to eventually return to the presidency, Trump confidently said, “I’d be allowed to do that.” However, he quickly dismissed the idea, responding with a typically Trump-style remark: “Yeah, I would rule that out because it’s too cute. I think the people wouldn’t like that. It’s too cute. It’s not — it wouldn’t be right.”
This three-word phrase — “too cute” — became the highlight of his response, leaving reporters puzzled about his exact reasoning. Trump continued: “I think the people wouldn’t like that. It’s too cute.”
Trump’s 2028 Speculation: ‘Trump 2028’ Run at Rallies
While Trump ruled out the vice-presidential route, he has previously teased the idea of a “Trump 2028” campaign, often joking about the possibility of serving beyond two terms. “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” he remarked when asked about the potential for a third term.
Despite his teasing, Trump has not completely ruled out the possibility of running for a third term in some capacity, adding: “Am I not ruling it out? I mean you’ll have to tell me.”
Trump vs. Biden: Age Factor
Trump, who would be 82 years old in 2028, would be several years older than President Joe Biden when he completed his first term. Biden, at the time of his inauguration in January 2021, was 78 years and 61 days old. By the end of Trump’s second term, he would be 156 days older than Biden was at the end of his presidency.
Despite his age, many Americans continue to express support for the idea of Trump returning to the White House, although the likelihood of such an event occurring remains highly improbable due to constitutional restrictions.
