Trump says, “I’m not joking” about seeking a third term in office

US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that he is not dismissing the idea of seeking a third term in office, stating, “I’m not joking” about the possibility.

This remark suggests he is contemplating ways to navigate the constitutional limitation that prohibits serving beyond two terms, which would conclude in early 2029.

In a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump noted, “There are methods which you could do it,” although he added, “it is far too early to think about it.”

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 following President Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms, states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

Read more: From democracy to dictatorship: Trump allies seek to extend presidency

During the interview, NBC’s Kristen Welker inquired whether one potential path to a third term could involve having Vice President JD Vance run for president and then “pass the baton to you.” Trump acknowledged this as a possibility, stating, “Well, that’s one. But there are others too. There are others.” When pressed for more details, he responded, “No.”

Vance’s office did not immediately provide a comment regarding Trump's remarks.

As he approaches the end of his second term at the age of 82, Trump was asked if he would still want to serve in “the toughest job in the country.” He replied, “Well, I like working.”

Trump expressed confidence that the American public might support a third term due to his perceived popularity, claiming to have “the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years.”

However, historical data from Gallup indicates that former President George W. Bush achieved a 90 percent approval rating following the September 11 attacks, while his father, President George H.W. Bush, reached 89 percent after the Gulf War in 1991.

In contrast, Trump’s approval ratings during his second term have peaked at 47 percent, despite his assertion of being “in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls.”

Trump has previously joked about the idea of serving beyond two terms, often making light-hearted comments to supportive audiences, including asking during a House Republican retreat in January, “Am I allowed to run again?”