Trump rules out vice presidency bid in 2028
3 Min Read
President Trump rules out joining a 2028 ticket as vice president while hinting at his continued political ambitions beyond his second term.
-
President Donald Trump goes down the stairs off Air Force One upon arrival at Haneda Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (AP)
US President Donald Trump has dismissed speculation about running as a vice presidential candidate in the 2028 election, despite some supporters proposing ways to bypass the Constitution’s ban on a third presidential term.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump said the idea was “too cute,” effectively ruling out the possibility.
Some of Trump’s supporters had suggested that another candidate could run for president with Trump as their running mate, with the plan that the nominee would resign immediately, elevating Trump to the presidency.
Trump, however, has not ruled out pursuing another presidential term himself, despite the constitutional restrictions limiting presidents to two elected terms. During Monday’s exchange with reporters, Trump highlighted a promising Republican lineup for 2028, mentioning Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom were present at the briefing.
Trump arrives in Tokyo for trade and security talks ahead of Xi summit
In a different context, United States President Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday as part of a broader Asia tour that will culminate in a highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week in South Korea. The visit marks Trump’s first trip to Japan since returning to office and comes amid renewed US efforts to reshape Asia’s trade and security architecture.
According to Reuters, the US President is expected to press Japan for greater market access for American goods, particularly in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Negotiations are reportedly centered on a package that could see Japan commit up to $550 billion in new investments across US industries, in exchange for reduced tariffs and expanded trade privileges.
The deal reflects Washington’s ongoing use of economic pressure to secure political and strategic alignment from allies in the region. Tokyo’s willingness to make such a large commitment underscores the Japanese government’s desire to preserve stable ties with the US.
Preparing for the Xi summit
Trump’s Tokyo stop serves as a strategic prelude to his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Seoul. The summit is expected to focus on avoiding renewed escalation in the US–China trade war, with discussions covering tariffs, semiconductor exports, rare earth supply chains, and the regulation of fentanyl precursors.
Washington is framing the Tokyo visit as a bid to consolidate alliances before engaging Beijing, reinforcing a US-led security and trade bloc in East Asia. In turn, Chinese officials have indicated that the Xi-Trump summit will aim to “stabilize relations” rather than deliver major breakthroughs.
Read more: China, US move closer to trade understanding ahead of leaders' meeting
