Trump has frequently flirted with the idea of seeking a third term, but has also repeatedly acknowledged that the Constitution prohibits it.
Early in 2025, Trump told a publication he was “not joking” about a third term and claimed “there are methods” to achieve it.
However, by August 2026, he told Fox News he dismissed the idea during a press gaggle, stating, “I’d love to run, but the law is very strong.”
At the White House Correspondents’ Dinner 2026, Trump joked about running for a fourth time as president, saying he won three of those races, notably including the 2020 election he believes was stolen from him by interference in Fulton County, Atlanta, Georgia.
“Tonight, to show just how much I care about the press, and I want to save your ratings, I’m pleased to announce my intention to – and this is somewhat of a scoop – my intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States. I will be doing that,” he quipped.