House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that he does not see a viable path for President Donald Trump to seek a third term in office, citing the constitutional limits that restrict presidents to two terms.

“It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows — and he and I have talked about — the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that,” Johnson told reporters during a press conference on Capitol Hill.

Johnson said he spoke with Trump earlier in the day as the president continues his three-nation tour of Asia, with a stop in Japan.

Johnson: ‘I Don’t See the Path’

“As a constitutional lawyer, I don’t see a way to amend the Constitution — that process takes about ten years,” Johnson explained.
He noted that a constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of U.S. states, making it practically impossible within a single administration.

“I don’t see the path for that,” he said. “But I can tell you we’re not taking our foot off the gas pedal,” referring to the Republican Party’s political momentum heading into future elections.

Trump Hints at 2028 Bid Despite Term Limit

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment, which explicitly prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice.

When asked Monday about a potential 2028 run, Trump told reporters, “I’d love to do it,” before adding cryptically, “Am I ruling it out? You’ll have to tell me.”

He went on to contrast himself with Democrats, saying, “All I can tell you is we have a great, great group of people — which they don’t.”

Speculation Grows Amid ‘Trump 2028’ Merchandise

The discussion gained traction last week after Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House strategist, claimed in an interview with The Economist that there “is a plan” to allow Trump to serve a third term, though he did not elaborate.

Adding to the speculation, Trump’s official merchandise website began selling “Trump 2028” hats earlier this year — items that have since become top sellers among supporters.

Johnson acknowledged the popularity of the merchandise, calling it “one of the most successful hats ever produced,” but suggested it was more of a political statement than a serious campaign signal.

“It’s a way to provoke the Democrats,” he said with a smile.

While Trump continues to tease the idea publicly, constitutional experts and senior Republicans alike — including Johnson — agree that any bid for a third term remains legally impossible under the current U.S. Constitution.