U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed the idea of running for vice president in the 2028 election, calling it an overly clever maneuver that would not sit well with the public.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Malaysia to Tokyo, Trump addressed speculation about extending his tenure beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
The 79-year-old Republican has frequently joked about a third term at rallies and distributed "Trump 2028" hats to supporters, fueling discussions among allies about potential legal avenues.
Trump acknowledged that running as vice president, with a presidential candidate resigning to elevate him, might technically be permissible.
"I'd be allowed to do that," he said.
However, he quickly rejected the notion.
"I wouldn't do that. I think it's too cute. Yeah, I would rule that out because it's too cute. I think the people wouldn't like that. It's too cute. It's not - it wouldn't be right."
Constitutional experts point to the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits a third elected presidential term, and the 12th Amendment, which bars anyone ineligible for president from serving as vice president.
Trump's comments came during a five-day Asia tour, his longest international journey since assuming office in January.
The trip includes stops at trade summits in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, where he aims to secure deals on trade and critical minerals.
In Malaysia, Trump announced agreements with four Southeast Asian nations.
He expressed optimism about resolving the U.S.-China trade war, stating before landing in Tokyo, "I've got a lot of respect for President Xi and I think we're going to come away with a deal."
Trump also voiced interest in another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Regarding a direct third-term bid, Trump expressed enthusiasm without committing.
"I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever," he said.
When asked if he was ruling it out, he replied ambiguously, "Am I not ruling it out? I mean you'll have to tell me."
Trump indicated he has not deeply considered legal challenges to pursue another term.
He would be 82 in 2028, potentially the oldest president in U.S. history, yet he maintains a demanding schedule, including frequent media interactions on overseas flights.
Trump praised potential successors like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling them "great people" who could form an "unstoppable" team if they ran.
"All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they [the Democrats] don't," he added.
"I think if they ever formed a group, it'd be unstoppable. I really do. I believe that."
These remarks underscore ongoing intrigue about Republican leadership post-Trump, even as he focuses on diplomatic priorities abroad.