In a recent interview, Donald Trump addressed the ongoing speculation about whether he might seek a third term in the White House.
While many have wondered about his intentions for the future, Trump was clear: he’s not planning to violate the Constitution for a third go-around in office.
Eyeing the Future: Potential GOP Successors
Instead of focusing on a third term, Trump turned his attention to the future of the Republican Party.
He pointed out several rising stars within the GOP who could continue his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda in 2028.
Notably, he mentioned Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential candidates who could carry on his legacy in the next presidential race.
Responding to Questions on a Third Term
NBC News anchor Kristen Welker pressed Trump on whether he was seriously considering a third term.
Trump acknowledged the overwhelming requests he’s received from his supporters, saying, “So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that.”
However, he quickly noted that, as far as he knew, it was not allowed by the Constitution.
“I don’t know if that’s constitutional that they’re not allowing you to do it or anything else,” Trump said, adding that many are already focused on the 2028 election.
“But this is not something I’m looking to do,” he emphasized.
Legal Challenges and the Immigration Debate
The conversation shifted to a topic Trump has been vocal about: immigration.
Welker challenged him to clarify whether illegal immigrants deserve “due process” before deportation.
When asked whether he agreed with his Secretary of State’s stance that all individuals, citizens and non-citizens alike, deserve due process, Trump responded bluntly, “I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know.”
Welker pointed out the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees due process, but Trump seemed unconvinced.
“If you’re talking about that, then we’d have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials,” he argued, referring to the thousands of individuals in the country who he said were criminals, including murderers and drug dealers.
Trump expressed frustration with the legal hurdles that prevent him from deporting those he believes should not be in the U.S., stating, “I was elected to get them the hell out of here and the courts are holding me from doing it.”
Trump’s Vision for the Future
Looking toward the future, Trump explained that he wanted to serve another four years and then hand over the reins to a successor who could continue his work.
“I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican,” he told Welker during the interview.
However, he also made it clear that he believed four years was enough time to accomplish something “spectacular.”
Reflections on the Possibility of a Third Term
When Welker expressed surprise at Trump’s doubts about the constitutionality of a third term, the former president downplayed it.
He noted that some of his allies have been discussing ways to make it possible, such as through a constitutional amendment, but he brushed off the suggestion, saying, “It’s a compliment, it’s really a great compliment” that people want him to continue in office.
Despite the support from some of his allies, Trump reiterated, “But I’m not looking at that.”
His focus, for now, remains on the 2024 election and passing the torch to a successor in 2028.