Trump hints at third term presidential run

U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted that he would “love” to serve a third term in office, despite the U.S. Constitution limiting presidents to two.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his flight from Malaysia to Japan on Monday, the 79-year-old president said he hadn’t “really thought about it,” but added that his approval ratings were the best they had ever been.

“I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” Trump said, referencing his 45% approval rating as reported by RealClearPolitics.

Trump has previously handed out and sold red “Trump 2028” hats, fueling speculation about his intentions after his current second term ends.

When asked directly whether he had ruled out serving again, Trump replied with a grin, “Am I not ruling it out? You’ll have to tell me,” refusing to dismiss the idea outright.

His comments come after Steve Bannon, his former White House strategist, claimed that allies were exploring ways to work around the 22nd Amendment, which bars presidents from serving more than two terms.

“Trump is going to be president in ’28, and people should get used to that,” Bannon told The Economist.

However, Trump ruled out running as vice president, saying the idea would be “too cute” and “not right.”

“Yeah, I’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t. I think people wouldn’t like it,” he said.

Trump also named his top picks for future Republican leaders, praising Vice President JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio, saying, “If they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable.”

He didn’t miss the chance to attack Democrats, calling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Jasmine Crockett “low-IQ” politicians.

Trump landed in Japan later Monday for meetings with the emperor and the new prime minister before heading to South Korea, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He also sent a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying he would be open to another meeting during his Asia tour.

“If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea. I’d love to meet with him,” Trump said.