Trump says he’s considering ways to serve 3rd term: I am not joking

US President Donald Trump has once again raised the possibility of seeking a third term in office, insisting in a televised interview that he is “not joking” about the idea, despite constitutional limits barring him from doing so.

In a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump addressed speculation about his future political ambitions, saying, “No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking. But it is far too early to think about it.” He added, “There are methods which you could do it, as you know,” but refused to elaborate on what those methods might be.

Under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, which was ratified in 1951 following Franklin D Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency, no person can be elected to the office of president more than twice. Trump, who was inaugurated for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, would therefore be ineligible to run again in 2028.

When NBC’s Kristen Welker presented a hypothetical scenario in which Vice President JD Vance could run for the presidency and then “pass the baton” to him, Trump responded, “Well, that’s one. But there are others too. There are others.” He refused to offer further details.

Trump also claimed to have the highest poll numbers of any Republican in a century. “We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. And, you know, we’re very popular. A lot of people would like me to do that,” he said. However, according to NBC, a Gallup poll on candidate popularity puts Trump’s approval rating at just 47%.

The president reiterated that he enjoys the job and dismissed suggestions he might want to step aside for his vice president. “Would you-you wouldn’t want to pass the baton to Vice President Vance?” Welker asked. Trump replied, “It’s too early to even think about it.”

This is not the first time Trump has hinted at a third term. During a House Republican retreat in January, he asked, “Am I allowed to run again?” He also floated the idea at a St. Patrick’s Day event earlier this month, where House Speaker Mike Johnson, Irish leader Michel Martin, and other lawmakers were present.

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