Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Oct 29: US House Speaker Mike Johnson has ruled out the possibility of President Donald Trump serving a third term, despite Trump’s repeated musings about extending his time in office beyond the constitutional limit.

Speaking at his daily press conference on Tuesday — the 28th day of the ongoing federal government shutdown — Johnson said that while he and Trump had discussed the idea, there was “no path” for a third presidential term under the US Constitution.

“I don’t see a path for that,” Johnson stated, explaining that the 22nd Amendment clearly bars any president from serving more than two terms. “He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” he added.

The Speaker noted that changing the law would require a new constitutional amendment, a long and complex process needing approval from Congress and a majority of US states. “We’re not going to take our foot off the gas pedal,” Johnson said. “We’re going to deliver for the American people, and we’ve got a great run ahead of us — four strong years.”

Johnson’s remarks came as Trump, now 10 months into his second term, has repeatedly hinted at testing the limits of presidential power and suggested staying longer in the White House.

Reports say caps and souvenirs reading “Trump 2028” have been distributed at the White House, and former Trump campaign manager Stephen Bannon has revived talk of a third term.

When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One about the possibility of running again, Trump replied, “I would love to do it,” though he quickly noted that his party had “great options” for the future — naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as potential successors.

Pressed on whether he might consider running as vice president as a backdoor path to another term, Trump dismissed the idea as “too cute.” “You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that,” he said. “The people wouldn’t like that — it wouldn’t be right.”

Johnson, who rose to the speakership with Trump’s support, downplayed the speculation, calling it part of Trump’s humor and political showmanship. “He has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats,” Johnson said.

The conversation underscores Trump’s ongoing influence over the Republican Party — and his willingness to challenge norms, even as constitutional limits on presidential power remain firm.