President Donald Trump has downplayed speculation that he might seek a third term in 2028, telling CBS’ 60 Minutes host Norah O’Donnell that he is “not even thinking about it,” even as he claimed “a lot of people want me to run.”In the wide-ranging interview marking the end of his first year in office, Trump said it was “too early” to talk about future elections but praised the Republican Party’s “strong bench” of leaders, naming Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio among those he admires.“We could run two people together,” Trump said. “We have an unbelievable bench… I don’t want to start talking about elections. It’s too early.”The US Constitution’s 22nd Amendment bars presidents from seeking a third term, but Trump has repeatedly teased the idea in rallies and interviews, often claiming the 2020 election was “rigged” and implying that might justify another run. He again raised that point with O’Donnell, saying, “A lotta people say when it’s rigged you’re allowed to do it again.”
Blasts Democrats and media
The president used much of the interview to criticise Democrats he believes could run in 2028. He accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of having “ruined” his state and dismissed potential Democratic contenders such as Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in personal terms.Trump also revived his long-standing grievances with the media, alleging that 60 Minutes once edited out an unfavourable segment and “paid [him] a lot of money” as a result—an unverified claim that CBS has not commented on.He nonetheless praised CBS’ “new ownership,” calling it “one of the best things to happen to a free and open press.”“The greatest nine months in history”Asked about his priorities for the remainder of his second term, Trump boasted of “the greatest nine months in the history of the presidency,” citing what he described as a clean-up of “Democrat-run cities” and mass deportations of criminals.“If I can keep that going, I’ll be very happy,” he said. “Our cities are a mess. I want safety in our cities.”
What it means
Trump’s remarks appear intended to project stability and success while keeping speculation about 2028 alive. By praising younger Republican leaders while refusing to definitively rule himself out, the president maintains leverage over his party’s future — and the media’s attention — as he enters the second year of his second term.
