Trump Laments No Third Term, Citing Electoral Constraints

President Donald Trump told reporters he believes he's not allowed to run for a third presidential term, calling the constitutional limitation "unfortunate" during a flight to South Korea.

Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump said his popularity is at its highest levels according to polls. "As you know, based on what I've read, I don't think I'm allowed to run, so we'll see what happens," he said. "It's unfortunate."

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two terms in office. This came after Franklin D. Roosevelt won four consecutive elections, breaking the informal two-term tradition established by George Washington.

Trump's comments come as he's already serving his second non-consecutive term after winning the 2024 election. His reference to polling numbers suggests he might be testing the waters for public reaction, though changing the Constitution would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.

For political observers, Trump's remarks signal he's thinking beyond his current term despite the constitutional barrier. Some presidents have floated the idea of term limit changes before, but none have succeeded in altering this fundamental democratic safeguard.

The timing of these comments during an international trip adds another layer of complexity, as foreign leaders and allies are listening to how long the current administration might remain in power.