President Trump joked about running in 2028 at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday, pulling out a red “TRUMP 2028” hat and declaring his intention to seek a fourth term—a comment that revived discussion of a constitutional barrier he cannot legally overcome.
At the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, Trump delivered an hour-long speech mixing light jabs at the press with criticism of Democratic opponents. He began with what appeared to be a lighthearted reference to another run, saying “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet,” before adding “I’m only kidding.”
But he then doubled down on the remark. “I’m pleased to announce my intention to—and this is a somewhat of a scoop—my intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States,” Trump said, producing the campaign hat from his pocket. The comment drew a mixed reception from the assembled journalists and officials.
The dinner, held three months after an alleged assassination attempt forced its cancellation in April, represented Trump’s first attendance at the annual event. The rescheduled gathering honored Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, who was shot at a security checkpoint during the April shooting and is credited with stopping the attack.
Trump’s 2028 remarks, whether sincere or humorous, collide with the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951. The amendment states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Trump has already served two terms—first from 2017 to 2021, and again beginning in 2025—making him ineligible for another elected term under the current constitutional framework.
The joke also comes as Trump’s political movement prepares for the succession question. Trump has reportedly settled on Vice President JD Vance as his 2028 successor, signaling a shift in focus toward backing a chosen heir rather than pursuing another personal run. Earlier reports suggested Trump was happy with how Vance has handled his duties as vice president.
The broader speech delivered what observers described as rambling remarks, with Trump himself joking about his speech writers when lines fell flat. He mixed criticism of the media—calling the gathering “the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time”—with attacks on Democratic opponents and acknowledgment of his frequent engagement with reporters.
Trump ended the evening by saying he had “tremendous respect” for the journalists in the room while adding that when he is gone, “you’re all going to be broke.” He also indicated he planned to attend the dinner again next year, marking a departure from his previous years of boycotting the event.
Sources
- France 24 — Trump’s full remarks at the dinner, his comments about a third term, and the constitutional context of the 22nd Amendment
- New Jersey Online — Trump’s reported selection of JD Vance as his 2028 successor
- Reuters — The 22nd Amendment text and presidential term limits
- BBC News — Trump’s remarks and the tone of his speech at the dinner
- The Guardian — Overview of Trump’s speech and its lighthearted and critical elements
