‘No Path for That’: Speaker Johnson Rejects Speculation Over Trump Third Term
Speaker invokes Constitution amid ongoing shutdown.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Tuesday that no viable path exists for President Donald Trump to seek a third term, citing constitutional constraints during his press conference on the 28th day of the federal government shutdown. Johnson confirmed private discussions with Trump on the matter, emphasizing the 22nd Amendment’s prohibition and the extensive process required for any amendment—necessitating two-thirds approval in both congressional chambers and ratification by three-fourths of the states. “He and I have discussed the constrictions of the Constitution,” Johnson said.
The speaker’s position emerges as Trump, ten months into his second term, continues to expand executive authority through measures such as deploying National Guard units despite opposition from several governors, accepting substantial private contributions to fund military operations and White House renovations, and prolonging the shutdown to advance policy objectives. Distribution of “Trump 2028” caps at the White House and public advocacy by former campaign manager Stephen Bannon have fueled speculation, which Johnson characterized as exaggerated alarm from political opponents.
During remarks aboard Air Force One en route to Japan on Monday, Trump expressed enthusiasm for another candidacy, stating he “would love to do it” while highlighting potential successors including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. He declined to rule out a 2028 bid and rejected a vice-presidential succession strategy as inappropriate, noting it would be perceived as overly contrived and contrary to public expectations.
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Johnson, whose elevation to the speakership was supported by Trump, reaffirmed commitment to legislative priorities, declaring: “We will not reduce our efforts; we intend to deliver results for the American people over the next four years.” His remarks underscore institutional adherence to constitutional limits even within the president’s inner circle.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between executive ambition and constitutional governance, as Trump’s actions challenge conventional boundaries while Johnson maintains that legal frameworks remain immutable. Attention now returns to resolving the shutdown and advancing administration goals within the current term.
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