Could Trump Run Again in 2028? Legal Hurdles Stand in the Way

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As speculation swirls around former President Donald Trump‘s political future, some supporters are questioning whether he could make another White House bid in 2028. However, legal barriers under the U.S. Constitution may prevent such a run.

Trump, 78, who served as the 45th president and is now the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election, could face a constitutional roadblock if he seeks a third term. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly limits presidents to two terms in office, whether consecutive or not.

“The fervor of his base might spur him on to run again at the age of 82,” said one political analyst, referencing Trump’s enduring popularity among his supporters. However, the amendment was designed to prevent any individual from holding the presidency for more than eight years, a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s unprecedented four-term presidency from 1932 to 1944.

Unless the 22nd Amendment is repealed or amended, Trump would be ineligible to run in 2028. Legal experts emphasize that such a change would require significant political will and a lengthy constitutional process, including approval by two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.

Chad Murphy, a political science professor, noted, “The 22nd Amendment was put in place to ensure no single person could accumulate too much power in the executive branch. Repealing it would be a monumental task.”

Trump has not publicly addressed the possibility of a 2028 run, focusing instead on his current campaign. However, his influence over the Republican Party and his ability to mobilize voters remain central to his political strategy.

Rin Velasco, a trending reporter, contributed to this story. She can be reached at [email protected].