Democrats Stole the Election; I Have the Right to Run for President Again: Trump

At the rally, Trump said, "I don't know who your next president will be. I believe the law says—though I’m not 100% sure—that I am no longer permitted to run for office."

Trump then acknowledged that the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits any individual from running for a third presidential term. However, he reiterated his long-standing, baseless claim that the Democrats "stole" the 2020 presidential election from him.

With a laugh, Trump remarked, "But there’s a catch. They cheated us the second time—because, in reality, we won three times. So, I believe I have the right to run again."

He added with a smirk, "Because they cheated, I believe I have the right to run again." The crowd at the rally responded with applause.

Trump has frequently hinted at running for president once more. However, any attempt to serve a third term would be a direct violation of the US Constitution.

In October 2025, Trump told reporters that he would be "very happy" to serve a third term as president. Earlier that year, in February, he told a crowd at a rally in Texas, "Perhaps we should have another term," asserting that he is entitled to serve for an additional term.

Last year, hats bearing the slogan "Trump 2028" began appearing for sale in Trump’s own retail outlets. The former U.S. president even wore that cap to the White House Correspondents' Dinner in July. However, his allies view these remarks as nothing more than a joke.

Last year, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that Trump "enjoys riling up the Democrats" by suggesting he could serve a third presidential term. Johnson added that he sees no path toward amending the Constitution to allow Trump to run for office again.

Trump’s opponents, however, fear that he might actually be serious about it.

Trump himself has acknowledged that he is aware of the restrictions set out in the U.S. Constitution.

At a rally on Thursday night, he remarked, "I’ve read that particular line many times. Unfortunately, it’s quite brief—there isn’t much room for interpretation. It essentially says that under no circumstances, and for no reason, can you even consider running for president again—something to that effect."

Trump has urged his supporters to help the Republican Party secure more seats in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections this November.

It remains unclear, however, how effective this unconventional strategy will be. Meanwhile, his public approval rating has fallen to a new low.

Source: The Guardian