US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is not seriously considering running for a third term in the White House, which is against the constitution.
Speaking to NBC News “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker, Donald Trump said: “This is not something I’m looking to do,” adding, “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward.”
During a long interview, Donald Trump named two possible successors: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. But he was evasive about whom he would like. “It’s far too early to say that. But you know, I do have a vice president and JD’s doing a fantastic job,” Trump said.
Donald Trump Praises Potential Successors
Calling him a fantastic, brilliant guy, he went on to say that “I don’t want to get involved in that” Trump said.
The U.S President then praised Rubio, saying he “is great” and “there’s a lot of them that are great.” “We have a lot of good people in this party,” the President added.
Donald Trump Appoints Rubio his Acting NSA
Aside from being secretary of state, archivist, and head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Trump announced last week that he was naming Rubio as his acting national security adviser.
Trump and Rubio were once bitter rivals during the 2016 election campaign, with the latter referring to the possible secretary of state as “Little Marco” and other derogatory nicknames. The two, however, have become close since then.
Constitutional Limits and Trump’s Stance
Steve Bannon and others backing Trump have publicly urged the 47th President to run for a third term, although the 22nd Amendment prohibits a president from running for more than two terms.
Trump on third term
Trump has thought about running for a third term previously, but he has stated unequivocally that he is not serious about doing so. That would involve taking advantage of a succession loophole or abolishing the 22nd Amendment.
“I will say this. So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do,” Trump acknowledged.
