The question of whether Donald Trump would seek a third term as president has been a persistent topic, fueled in part by the Trump Store’s sale of .
In an interview with TIME on April 22, Trump commented, “I’d prefer not to discuss it right now, but there are well-known loopholes that have been mentioned. However, I don’t support loopholes or using them.”
According to the , Trump is eligible to serve a second—and final—term.
published on April 28, Trump reiterated that he wasn’t considering a third term. Nevertheless, speculation continued.
During his recent interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, which aired on Sunday, May 4, Trump addressed the speculation, stating again that he’s “not looking” to pursue a third term and explaining his reasoning.
“I’m aiming for four successful years and then handing it over to someone, ideally a strong Republican, to continue the work,” , “I simply want to serve, do an excellent job. I will be an eight-year President, a two-term President. I’ve always felt that was important, to be honest.”
Trump did mention that numerous people have urged him to consider another term. He said, “So many people want me to do it. I’ve never had requests as strong as that,” regarding the third-term suggestions.
He also expressed his belief that the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement can continue even without him as president.
“I believe it’s very strong, and we have incredible people… look at [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio and [Vice President] J.D. Vance, who is fantastic. I could easily name 10 to 15 people right now,” he said.
When questioned about a potential successor, Trump said it was “too early” to definitively say, but he again mentioned Vance and Rubio by name.
Regarding Vance, Trump said, “Certainly, if someone is the VP and is outstanding, they would likely have an advantage,” adding, “But he could be challenged by someone. We have many talented people in this party.”
Trump’s latest remarks contrast with his previous interview on Meet the Press with Welker, where he hinted that “there are methods” to pursue a third term.
“” Trump said in March, when asked to clarify whether he wanted another term. “But I’m not—it is far too early to think about it.”
However, in his most recent interview, Trump seemed to indicate that, “to the best of [his] knowledge,” it wouldn’t be possible.
Trump’s clarification comes after he at a rally on April 29 that he had “already served” a third term.
“We actually already served three [terms], if you count. But remember, I like the victories, I like the three victories which we absolutely had. I just don’t like the results of the middle term,” Trump said, reiterating his denial of the , which he lost to former President Joe Biden.