On Wednesday, Donald Trump once again used one of his signature jokes during a rally in Marietta, Georgia. As he stood before a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters, the former President of the United States began his speech with a line that immediately sparked a wave of applause.
"I'm here to announce my candidacy... Just kidding," Trump quipped at the start of the event, held at Wheeler High School. The moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms.
At 80 years old, Trump is currently serving his second term as president. The U.S. Constitution, however, prevents him from seeking a third term due to the 22nd Amendment. Ratified in 1951, this amendment stipulates that no person can be elected president more than twice. Trump previously served from 2017 to 2021 and is now in his second term.
Amending this provision would demand a rigorous legislative process involving two-thirds approval from Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, a nearly impossible feat.
Despite the constitutional barrier, Trump often uses this topic to rally his base. Back in March 2025, he claimed that "many people" were urging him to remain in office beyond 2029. In April of that year, he even mentioned "legal methods" to attempt it, though he did not elaborate on what those methods might be.
By October 2025, Trump acknowledged that the amendment hindered his ability to run again, calling it a "shame."
The Georgia event was officially aimed at promoting "Trump Accounts," investment accounts for children established under Republican-backed tax legislation, and to discuss issues of affordability and education. However, the gathering turned into a campaign rally for the 2026 midterm elections, featuring gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson and Senate hopeful Mike Collins.
Alongside his jokes about a third term, Trump has been preparing his narrative for succession. He has frequently pointed to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his preferred candidates for 2028, at one point even describing them as a potential "perfect ticket" for the Republican nomination.
According to EFE, both Vance and Rubio are performing well in polls regarding a future Republican presidential bid, with Vance emerging as the frontrunner to lead the party's ticket in 2028.
Trump's Potential Successors and the 2028 Election
Why can't Trump run for a third term as president?
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice.
Who are Trump's preferred successors for the 2028 election?
Donald Trump has frequently mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his favored candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
What are "Trump Accounts"?
"Trump Accounts" are investment accounts for children, established under tax laws passed by Republicans, aimed at promoting savings and financial education.