Trump says third term 'not something I'm looking to do'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: NBC
4 May 2025 21:17

While Trump previously hinted he wasn't "joking" about running again after 2028 and alluded to potential "methods" to do so, he appeared to rule out the idea during the interview, even as his campaign sells "Trump 2028" merchandise.

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President Donald Trump gives a commencement address at the University of Alabama, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., US. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

In a televised interview with NBC's Meet the Press, US President Donald Trump distanced himself from speculation that he might pursue a third term in office, a possibility floated by some of his supporters despite a constitutional ban.

"This is not something I'm looking to do," Trump told host Kristen Welker. "I'm looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward."

While Trump previously hinted he wasn't "joking" about running again after 2028 and alluded to potential "methods" to do so, he appeared to rule out the idea during the interview, even as his campaign sells "Trump 2028" merchandise. Asked about potential successors, he praised both Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio but avoided naming a favorite. "I don't want to get involved in that," he said. "I think [Vance is] a fantastic, brilliant guy. Marco is great. There are a lot of them that are great."

Legal ambiguity

Trump also weighed in on legal and economic controversies facing his administration.

When pressed on his obligation to follow the Constitution, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's directive to "facilitate" the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a wrongly deported Maryland resident, Trump hedged. Asked whether all individuals in the US are guaranteed due process under the Constitution, Trump responded, "I don't know." On whether he is bound to uphold the Constitution, he again said, "I don't know," and added that he "may" seek clarification from the Court on its use of the word "facilitate."

Economic gamble

On economic policy, Trump doubled down on tariffs, indicating they might be a lasting fixture of his trade agenda. "If somebody thought they were going to come off the table, why would they build in the United States?" he said. He also dismissed the idea of carving out exemptions for small businesses suffering under the tariffs, stating they wouldn't "need it."

When asked if he'd accept a short-term economic downturn in exchange for long-term goals, Trump replied, "Look, yeah, everything is going to be OK. ... This is a transition period."

The interview came after warnings from the US Chamber of Commerce, which argued that the tariffs could inflict "irreparable harm" on small businesses unless relief measures are introduced.

Fed reversal

Lastly, Trump softened his tone toward Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, reversing a previous threat to remove him early. "No, no, no. That was a total. Why would I do that? I get to replace the person in another short period of time," he said. The clarification comes after market turbulence last month, when Trump declared, "If I want [Powell] out, he'll be out of there real fast, believe me," before walking it back.