Trump Hints at Successors, Leaves Door Open for Third Term Speculation
Trump suggests Vance or Rubio as potential future successors - Trump suggests Vance or Rubio as potential successors
In an off-the-cuff interview with NBC's Meet the Press on May 4, 2025, President Donald Trump dropped hints about his potential successors in leading the MAGA movement forward. However, Trump was quick to clarify that it's "far too early" to make any concrete decisions.
Among the contenders named were Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump spoke highly of Vance, labeling him as a "fantastic, brilliant guy." When asked about Rubio, Trump remarked, "Marco is great ... we have a lot of good people in this party." It's crucial to note that Trump was careful not to commit to endorsing either figure directly, instead positioning the succession as a decision for the Republican Party at large[1][2].
Meanwhile, the 78-year-old President made vague comments about staying in office beyond his constitutional limit. Despite the 22nd Amendment stipulating no more than two terms for a US President, Trump and his circle have been toying with the idea of a third term for some time. The official Trump online store now peddles hats emblazoned with the slogan "Trump 2028," signaling his intentions, if any[3].
Breaking the Political Taboo
In the interview, Trump repeatedly expressed his supporters' desires for him to run again, but insisted he is aware that such a move would likely be forbidden. "But as far as I know, it's not allowed." Trump also stated that he has no intention of pursuing a third term. However, his many contradictory statements in recent months have left questions about his true intentions[1][2].
Changing the US Constitution is an uphill battle with almost insurmountable hurdles. Legal experts and Democrats alike are skeptical of Trump's ability to circumvent the Constitution to seek another term, fearing that he might try to reinterpret the Constitution to his advantage[4]. Over the years, Trump has proven his penchant for pushing boundaries and breaking political norms[5].
- Donald Trump
- JD Vance
- Marco Rubio
- Republican
- US President
- NBC's Meet the Press
- Democrat
- Constitution
- 22nd Amendment
- MAGA movement
[1] CNN (2025). Trump hints at potential successors in MAGA movement. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/04/politics/donald-trump-potential-successors/[2] CBS News (2025). Trump names Vance and Rubio as possible successors. [online] Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-names-jd-vance-marco-rubio-as-potential-successors-2025-05-04/[3] New York Times (2025). Trump store sells hats promoting 2028 run amid speculation. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/30/us/politics/trump-sells-2028-hats.html[4] Washington Post (2025). A third term for Trump? Legal experts see no plausible path. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/07/a-third-term-for-trump-legal-experts-see-no-plausible-path/[5] Politico (2025). Trump's CC: repeatedly pushing boundaries. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/10/trumps-cc-breaking-political-norms-095083
(Enrichment data lightly incorporated to provide context and offer relevant insights.)
- NBC's Meet the Press interviewed President Donald Trump on May 4, 2025, during which he hinted at potential successors for the MAGA movement, mentioning Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Meanwhile, the discussion about a potential third term for President Trump has been ongoing, with his circle considering a 2028 run as indicated by hats available on the official Trump online store.
- Despite the 22nd Amendment's restriction on more than two terms for a US President, Trump has expressed the desires of his supporters for him to run again but has claimed he would not pursue a third term.
- Legal experts and Democrats have expressed skepticism about Trump's ability to circumvent the Constitution to seek another term.
- Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has shown a penchant for pushing boundaries and breaking political norms, raising concerns that he might attempt to reinterpret the Constitution to his advantage.
