Can Donald Trump legally run for President again in 2028?

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic political comeback just four years after his loss in the 2020 election, which led to the infamous Capitol insurrection. At 78 years old, the Republican leader, currently facing felony charges in a New York hush-money case, claimed victory over Democratic opponent Kamala Harris in a hard-fought election, securing 295 electoral votes to Harris’s 226.

Questions are already emerging about whether Trump could seek the presidency again in 2028, four years from now.

What Trump Previously Stated

In a September interview with Sharyl Attkisson on Full Measure, Trump indicated he would not likely run again in 2028 if he were defeated in this election. When asked about a potential future campaign, he replied, “No, I don’t. I don’t see that at all,” adding, “Hopefully, we’re going to be successful.”

Having run as the Republican nominee in three consecutive presidential elections, Trump has significantly reshaped the party over the past eight years.

Why Trump Can’t Run for President Again

Under U.S. law, presidents are prohibited from serving more than two terms, effectively barring Trump from another run in 2028 if he wins this term. This rule is enshrined in the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which limits the presidency to two terms.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified on February 27, 1951, officially limits U.S. presidents to two terms in office. This unofficial standard, established by George Washington, was maintained until Franklin D. Roosevelt won four terms between 1932 and 1944. Following Roosevelt’s presidency, Congress proposed the amendment in 1947, and it was ratified by the states soon after, solidifying the two-term limit.