IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028?

IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028?

Author: Liam Heffernan August 7, 2025 Duration: 10:29

The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years.

Let us know in the comments what you think:

Do you want Trump to run again in 2028?

Should he be allowed?

Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are?

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Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's potential third presidential run in 2028 and the constitutional barriers that exist.
  • We clarify that the 22nd Amendment restricts any individual from being elected for more than two terms as president, creating significant legal challenges.
  • Our discussion includes Trump's recent comments suggesting JD Vance as a likely Republican nominee, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the MAGA movement.
  • We explore the argument that Trump could run for vice president, but we detail why this is constitutionally problematic and unlikely to succeed.
  • The episode emphasizes that there is no legal route for Trump to regain the presidency, addressing concerns among both supporters and critics alike.
  • We conclude that unless significant legal changes occur, Donald Trump will not be president after 2028, which is a critical point for understanding future elections.

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Additional Resources:

12th Amendment - Election of President and Vice President | Constitution Center

Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Constitution sets two-term limit despite 'Trump 2028' merch

Trump touches on the 22nd Amendment and that is bad news for US history

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

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Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

America: The Story of the USA
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